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(e) T is often inserted to separate and thus keep distinct two identical, or two like sounds. This usually occurs between “n” and “s,”[1] and, sometimes between l, r, and s—e.g., Ceann tSáile, buiḋean tsluaġ, milis tséin, caol tsruṫ.
(f) The d of “do,” thy, becomes “t” or “ṫ” before vowels or ḟ, except in Ulster and N. Connaught: t’aṫair, t’ainm, t’aġaiḋ.
(g) In Munster the “t” in the termination of the autonomous present is usually broad—e.g., innstear, is pronounced ínnstar.
(h) In parts of Munster “t” after “l” is pronounced ṫ—e.g., fáilte (=fáilṫe), dálta (=dálṫa), &c.
(i) The combinations sr and rs slender have never the normal slender values of the letters except in Munster. They often become quite broad. The two consonants are often pronounced almost simultaneously, so that it is difficult to know which consonant is pronounced the first.
The Liquids.
L, M, N, R, NG.
22. The liquids are called semi-vowels, because they have each a distinct sonant component part. To observe this, place the tongue against the upper teeth in position for broad “l.” Drive out a current of voiced air and a loud humming noise is produced. The breath can be felt escaping between the sides of the tongue and the cheeks. By tapping the cheek with the forefinger an intermittent hum is produced. This hum is the sonant part of the l, and it is always heard before the consonantal portion of the “l sound.” Listen carefully to a person while he pronounces the word “lá.” A short “u” is heard before the “l.” Test in a similar
- ↑ Similarly:—an tsúil, tiġ an tsagairt, aon tsuim, &c but these are cases of aspiration.
