The word "Goidelic" refers to a branch of the Celtic languages spoken primarily in Ireland and Scotland. It is spelled with two syllables, the first being "Goi" and the second being "delic." The "Goi" part is pronounced with a voiced velar plosive /ɡ/, followed by the diphthong /ɔɪ/. The "delic" part is pronounced with a voiceless dental fricative /θ/, followed by the vowel /ɛ/ and the consonants /l/ and /ɪk/. To summarize, "Goidelic" is spelled as "goi-del-ik" and pronounced as /ˈɡɔɪdɛlɪk/.
Goidelic refers to a specific branch of the Celtic language family, spoken primarily in Ireland and Scotland. It is one of the two main branches of Celtic languages, the other being Brythonic.
The term "Goidelic" is used to describe the linguistic and cultural characteristics associated with this branch of Celtic languages. Goidelic languages were historically spoken by the Gaels, a Celtic ethnic group, and are still spoken today, although in a much more limited capacity.
The Goidelic branch consists of three main languages: Irish Gaelic (also known simply as Irish), Scottish Gaelic (Gàidhlig), and Manx. Each of these languages has its own distinct dialects and variations.
Goidelic languages are known for their heavy use of consonants, intricate grammar systems, and rich oral tradition. They also possess a unique writing system called the Gaelic alphabet, which is derived from the Latin alphabet but has its own specific characters.
The Goidelic branch has had a profound influence on the cultural and linguistic landscape of Ireland and Scotland. It plays a central role in the music, literature, folklore, and identity of these regions, being an important marker of their unique heritage.
In summary, Goidelic refers to the branch of Celtic languages spoken in Ireland, Scotland, and the Isle of Man. Its languages include Irish Gaelic, Scottish Gaelic, and Manx, and it has been a crucial element of the cultural and linguistic identity of the Gaels throughout history.
The etymology of the word "Goidelic" can be traced back to the ancient language known as Primitive Irish (Old Irish). In Primitive Irish, the word "gutel" or "gutal" meant "voice" or "speech". Over time, "gutel" evolved into "Goidel" or "Goidelic", which referred to the language of the Gaels, the Celtic-speaking people of Ireland and Scotland.
The term "Goidelic" was later adopted by linguists and scholars to distinguish the Gaelic branch of the Celtic languages from the other branch, called "Brythonic". Today, "Goidelic" specifically applies to Scottish Gaelic (Gàidhlig), Irish (Gaeilge), and Manx Gaelic (Gaelg) languages.