Is Manx The Same As Irish?

Difference Between Manx And Irish 🌍: In our past blogs, we have mentioned both of these languages a couple of times already. But of course, many still want to learn more about them. In this blog, we will discuss the difference between Manx and Irish Gaelic. Are they both the same or do these languages differ from each other? Read this blog to learn more.

Just the other day, I’ve had a lovely encounter with a fellow who I now consider as a dear friend. We have talked about a lot of things on the short time we’ve met. And of course, him and I went into the topic of the Irish language.

Like me, he also had a passion in learning the language. He said that learning the Irish language, its history and culture is a top priority in his life and wanted to work on it day in and day out. However, something that seemed to arouse his curiosity on are also the other Celtic language, which he stated he also want to know more about. This, of course, got my gears spinning and inspired me to write this short but information-filled blog. Today specifically, I want to share with you some similarities – and differences – between the Irish and Manx language.

Below, let me discuss them with you. Sit tight and learn!

Thíos, lig dom iad a phlé leat. Suigh go docht agus foghlaim!

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Discussing the Manx language

In our blogs, we usually discuss what we know and want to share when it comes to the Irish language, hence our site called FluentIrish. However, for you to appreciate this blog more, let me also, to an ample extent, cover the Manx language.

Manx is a language owned by the country called Isle of Man. It has undergone very extensive history and changes in the not-so-distant past. The language was, at a point, lost. The decline started around the 19th century. Reasons to how this transpired varied but a strong is because learning the English language was the only way to succeed in work and life, therefore the Manx language being forgotten. 1974, specifically, was when the last native speaker of Manx Gaelic died. However, people there brought Manx back and has since made it part of a “vibrant language community”, as stated by History Today.

Before the difference comes Irish and Manx history

Both Irish and Manx Gaelic had a long history before establishing themselves as one of the most-known language not only across Europe but the whole world, as well.

They both belong to a language group called the Celtic group of languages. Furthermore, this group can be split up into another two groups: Goidelic or Gaelic and Brythonic or British languages. Irish and Manx Gaelic specifically belong to the Goidelic group of languages (along with Scottish Gaelic).

Just a fun fact: the Brythonic group of languages consist of Welsh, Cornish and Breton.

Fíric spraíúil amháin: is éard atá sa ghrúpa teangacha Brythónacha ná Breatnais, Coirnis agus Briotáinis.

Now comes the differences between Irish and Manx

First off, the most obvious difference would be in what country each language was developed and spoken. Irish, of course, settled down and developed in Ireland whilst Manx did in in the Isle of Man.

Next comes the phonetics. Of course, there are cognates (word from another language you may easily identify because it is the same or similar to the word in your own language). But there are also differences, not just between Irish and Manx, but also comparing Scottish Gaelic. Furthermore, the comparisons become farther when the Brythonic languages come into the mix.

Omninglot provides some examples on sound changes:

• Some words beginning with p or b in the Brythonic or P-Celtic languages begin with c, k or qu (/k/) in the Goidelic or Q-Celtic languages. For example, head is pen in Welsh and ceann in Irish.
• Some words beginning with gw in the Brythonic languages begin with f in the Goidelic languages. For example, hair is gwallt in Welsh and falt in Scottish Gaelic.
• Some words beginning with s(e/i) /ʃ/ in the Goidelic languages begin with h in the Brythonic languages. For example, old is sean in Irish and hen in Welsh.

In addition, they also provided an example phrase we all use to converse with: “what is your name?” and “my name is [name]” in all of the Celtic languages:

• Irish – Cén t-ainm atá ort?, Is mise …
  Gloss: What-the name is on-you?, Am I [emphatic] …”
• Scottish Gaelic – Dè an t-ainm a th’ort, Is mise …
  Gloss: What the name is on-you?, Am I [emphatic] …”
• Manx – Cre’n ennym t’ort?, Ta’n ennym orrym … / … mish
  Gloss: What’the name is on-you?, Is the name on-me … / … I [emphatic]”
• Breton – Petra eo da anv?, … eo ma anv
  Gloss: What is your name?, … is my name”
• Cornish – Pyth yw dha hanow?, Ow hanow yw …
  Gloss: What is your name?, My name is …”
• Welsh – Beth yw dy enw (di)?, Fy enw (i) yw…
  Gloss: What is your name (you)?, My name (me) is …”

Learn Irish through FluentIrish

Now that I have shared with you readers the difference (and similarities) between Irish and Manx Gaelic, we want to discuss how we can help you in everything Irish-related.

ba mhaith linn plé leat freisin conas is féidir linn cabhrú leat i ngach rud a bhaineann leis an nGaeilge.

If you can understand simple Irish, you will want to improve. FluentIrish is here for you. Listen every day to get on with Irish.

Má tá tú ábalta Gaeilge shimplí a thuiscint – beidh tú ag iarraidh biseach a dhéanamh. Tá Fluentirish anseo faoi do choinne. Bí ag éisteacht gach aon lá chun a bheith ag gabháil ar aghaidh i nGaeilge.

We provide informative blogs and helpful podcasts that can help in your quest to learn the Irish language.

>>Which level?: Find out which level of spoken Irish you understand!