Translation help for DIY project

[piper128]

So my 7 year old son is a budding piper, and for his 8th birthday later this week, momma and I are getting him a kilt outfit. He isn't getting a sgian duhb, because I am making him one for Christmas. That said, I am considering etching the blade with Beloved Son in Gaelic. I just want to make sure I'm not putting "Hot Soup" or some other nonsense on it. The translation (I think) should be Mac Mùirneach. Can someone confirm that is right? Is there a better phrasing I should use? Thanks!

[figheadair]

There are a number of options but before delving into some can I suggest that this is moved the the Celtic Languages area. You're likely to get more comment there.

[Father Bill]

Agreed, and on its way. I think that will help the OP. @piper128 a "re-direct" will remain for three days where you originally posted this, so it's even possible that you may get double help!

Father Bill for the Forum Moderators.

[piper128]

That certainly seems to be the logical place for it. Thanks!

[figheadair]

So my 7 year old son is a budding piper, and for his 8th birthday later this week, momma and I are getting him a kilt outfit. He isn't getting a sgian duhb, because I am making him one for Christmas. That said, I am considering etching the blade with Beloved Son in Gaelic. I just want to make sure I'm not putting "Hot Soup" or some other nonsense on it. The translation (I think) should be Mac Mùirneach. Can someone confirm that is right? Is there a better phrasing I should use? Thanks!

As I said, there are a number of words that mean beloved, some are more appropriate than others - see Dwelly.

Whilst Mac Mùirneach is a literal translation of Beloved Son the Gaelic construction is more akin to a surname. What would be more correct, I believe, would be something like gaolach mac or luaidh mac where the adjective precedes the noun and so adds emphasis. A feminine adjective would cause the noun to aspirate, i.e. mhac as in ionmhainn mhac.

[piper128]

Thanks, that site is a HUGE help!

I think I like the explanation of ionmhainn mhac. Plus, I think, given the right font, it would look really sharp (pun intended) on the face of the blade. Thanks again, and, once I'm done, I'll probably post some pics up in the DIY forums.

[figheadair]

Thanks, that site is a HUGE help!

I think I like the explanation of ionmhainn mhac. Plus, I think, given the right font, it would look really sharp (pun intended) on the face of the blade. Thanks again, and, once I'm done, I'll probably post some pics up in the DIY forums.

If you're going to use the phrase you should know how to pronounce it. Pronunciation of Gaelic varies in different parts of the country and can be tricky because some letters in some combinations form unlikely sound combinations or are silent. You won't be far off wit you-vain vachk or you-n-vain vachk where the 'ch' is sounded as in loch and not lock.

[Stitchwiz]

Thanks, that site is a HUGE help!

I think I like the explanation of ionmhainn mhac. Plus, I think, given the right font, it would look really sharp (pun intended) on the face of the blade. Thanks again, and, once I'm done, I'll probably post some pics up in the DIY forums.

A well-loved lad will be opening a very special gift on Christmas morning.

Ater all the research you have done, and with help from some other very gifted gentlemen, this will be a one of a kind. We will all be waiting to see the finished product...and keep that camera handy for Christmas morn - we would love to see his face when he opens it, too.

[OC Richard]

Yes you really need to talk to someone who was raised speaking Gaelic, because (as in all languages) words have both denotation and connotation.

Now, there's a piobaireachd titled Alba Bheadarrach.

What of this word beadarrach?

MacLennan's Gaelic Dictionary gives

beadarrach, a. sportive, caressed, fondled*, spoiled as a child; fond of; pampered.

and the next entry is

beadradh, vb. n. m. act of caressing, toying, fondling*; flirting.

All of this gives a much different picture than the English translation of Alba Bheadarrach, Beloved Scotland.

Anyhow in the English > Gaelic section of that dictionary only one word is given for 'beloved'

beloved, part. gradhaichte (with ` over the first 'a')

In the Gaelic > English section it's apparent that this is a widely used root (all with ` over the first 'a')

gradh, n.m. love or affection; a dear; a ghraidh, my dear, my darling;

gradhach, adj. loving, dear.

gradhadair, n.m. a lover.

gradhag, n. f. a loved, a dear little one, a pet.

gradhaich, v. love, esteem.

gradhan, n. m. a little darling.

gradhmhor, a. greatly beloved.

gradharachd, n. f. loveliness.

This all seems to strike at the heart of your sentiment.

There's also, as said above,

ionmhainn, a. dearly beloved; is ionmhuinn le gach neach a choslas, every one is fond of his equal, birds of a feather flock together.

ionmhas, n. m. treasure, riches.

ionmhasach, a. wealthy, rich.

ionmhasair, n. m. a treasurer.

ionmholta, a. praiseworthy.

It's stuff like this that makes language so interesting.


*BTW 'fondle' in this case is the traditional meaning of the word rather than its current American connotation of sexual predatorship.