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Elaine Clear's avatar

I love to read about old Ireland before it was Anglicised. Your descriptions of place names and their origins reminds me of Brian Friel's play Translations, set in Donegal. A commission was set up around the early 20th century to replace Irish names with English ones.

I love too your writing about St Brigid and the significance of the holy wells. Keep up the great work!!

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Dian Killian, Ph.D.'s avatar

GRMMA Elaine! And thanks so much for reading. I really appreciate it!! :) Agus is breá liom Brian Friel agus an dráma sin!

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Josie Rashmi Smith's avatar

I resonate with your words, Dian. Here in West Wales, where Cymreig is still strong and the mother tongue for many, the place names also describe the land, such as Aberteifi, mouth of the Teifi. Many Welsh folk songs are the names of fields, almost like song lines. I feel so fortunate to live in a land which still thrums with its sacred past. Diolch yn fawr

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Dian Killian, Ph.D.'s avatar

Go raibh maith agat - tá sé seo go hálainn a chloisteáil!! (thank you! This is beautiful to hear.) there was someone in my Irish course in Ballyferriter the first year who is Welsh and she definitely had an advantage on the rest of us picking up Irish! I’ve heard that once you know which letters are different between Irish and Welsh, they’re actually very easy to move between! Welsh and Irish of course are sister tongues. :) So glad you are here, a chara!

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Eibhlin Johnston's avatar

Thank you Dian. What an amazing read 👏👏. Shared.

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Jen Swan's avatar

Go raibh míle maith agat a a chara I love your reflections here on being present and located just where you are and embracing the gift of slowing for a season.

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Dian Killian, Ph.D.'s avatar

go raibh míle maith agat — for reading and letting me know. Tá súil agam gur féidir leat taitneamh a bhaint as grianstad mall!

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Lynda Smith's avatar

You writing illuminates modern applications of ancient wisdom so beautifully!

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Dian Killian, Ph.D.'s avatar

Thanks so much! Am toasty happy reading this. 🥰

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Paullaa's avatar

I love your curiosity and love for language and travel. Such a wonderful read.

Blessings

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Dian Killian, Ph.D.'s avatar

Thanks so much Paul and for being such a loyal reader! 🤩

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Dian Killian, Ph.D.'s avatar

Thanks so much Eve!! 🥰😻

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