Oral tradition in Irish (Béalaithris): Meaning

Q: What is the Irish for oral tradition?

The Irish for oral tradition is béalaithris (pronounced “BAYL-ah-rish”). It’s a feminine noun. Depending on context it can also mean oral account.

Q: Does béalaithris have more than one meaning?

Yes. Béalaithris can mean oral tradition or oral account, depending on context; the first is the most common.

How to say “oral tradition” in Irish

Irish:: béalaithris
English:: oral tradition, oral account
Word type:: noun
Gender:: feminine, second declension
Pronunciation:: “BAYL-ah-rish” /bʲeːlˠahɾʲɪʃ/

Various forms

Genitive singular:: béalaithrise, na béalaithrise (e.g. saibhreas na béalaithrise, the richness of oral tradition)

What does “béalaithris” mean?

“Béalaithris” has two alternative meanings. The most common comes first.

oral tradition: Stories, history and knowledge passed down by word of mouth rather than in writing.Also: oral narration, word of mouth, oral account, folklore.

1 other meaning: oral account

2oral account: A spoken account or recitation of something, given by word of mouth.Also: oral narration, oral report, recitation.

Other Irish words for oral tradition: béaloideas (folklore)

“Béalaithris” with the article

Here is béalaithris after the article (an t-alt).

an bhéalaithris

the oral tradition

Lenition: b becomes bh after an (feminine noun)

“Béalaithris” in a sentence: Irish examples

Common Irish sentences using béalaithris, the Irish word for oral tradition.

Tháinig an scéal anuas chugainn trí bhéalaithris.

The story came down to us through oral tradition.

Tá an bhéalaithris an-láidir sa Ghaeltacht fós.

Oral tradition is still very strong in the Gaeltacht.

Bhailigh sí ábhar béalaithrise ó na seandaoine.

She collected oral tradition material from the old people.

De réir na béalaithrise, troideadh cath anseo.

According to oral tradition, a battle was fought here.

Is cuid thábhachtach dár n-oidhreacht í an bhéalaithris.

Oral tradition is an important part of our heritage.

Níl aon fhianaise ann ach béalaithris amháin.

There is no evidence except oral tradition.

Tá suim mhór aige i staidéar na béalaithrise.

He is very interested in the study of oral tradition.

Other nouns in Irish

More everyday Irish nouns to learn next.

tuairiscreport moilldelay áireamhcounting iascfish óigeyouth smaoineamhthought

Oral tradition in Irish: frequently asked questions

What is the Irish for oral tradition?

The Irish for oral tradition is béalaithris (pronounced “BAYL-ah-rish”). It’s a feminine noun. Depending on context it can also mean oral account.

How do you pronounce béalaithris in Irish?

Béalaithris is said like “BAYL-ah-rish” (IPA /bʲeːlˠahɾʲɪʃ/).

Does béalaithris have a plural?

No plural form is given for béalaithris in the standard. Many abstract and mass nouns in Irish have no plural.

Does béalaithris have more than one meaning?

Yes. Béalaithris can mean oral tradition or oral account, depending on context; the first is the most common.

Why does béalaithris change to bhéalaithris or mbéalaithris?

Irish changes the start of some words after certain words. After mo (my) béalaithris becomes mo bhéalaithris (lenition), and after ár (our) or i (in) it becomes ár mbéalaithris (eclipsis).

What is the difference between béalaithris and béaloideas?

Béaloideas is folklore as a whole body of tradition, while béalaithris stresses the act or fact of handing something down orally, as in 'de réir na béalaithrise' (according to oral tradition).

Oral tradition in Irish (Béalaithris): Meaning, Pronunciation, Usage