The pronunciation of whisky names

Scottish Gaelic

further information: www.schottisch-gaelisch.de

"Scottish Gaelic, closely related to Irish Gaelic, is one of the oldest languages in Europe. It is a language that not only produces and has produced wonderful poetry and prose throughout its history, but is also heard daily on BBC Scotland's Gaelic radio. It is still spoken today by around 60,000 Gaelic speakers, mainly in the Western Isles, i.e. the Outer Hebrides, the Inner Hebrides and still in some areas in the west of Scotland.

Scottish Gaelic belongs to the Indo-European language group of Celtic languages and developed from Irish. Until the 17th century, Gaelic was the common written language of Ireland and Scotland and it was only when cultural links were severed that the language developed differently in the two countries.

Contrary to what is often claimed, Scottish Gaelic was never actually banned after the unification of the kingdoms of Scotland and England, but the use of the language was suppressed by a variety of regulations and laws. In 1872, the Scottish Education Act introduced compulsory education in Scotland. Gaelic was not included as a subject in the curriculum and the teaching of Gaelic in schools came to an end. English was now the sole language of instruction and children who spoke Gaelic at school were punished with beatings until the 1960s.

Due to the expulsion of Gaelic tenant farmers from the Highlands and several large waves of emigration at the end of the 19th and beginning of the 20th century, the number of speakers continued to fall drastically, so that Gaelic almost completely disappeared from the Highlands.

It was not until the 1960s that fears developed that Scottish Gaelic would soon die out completely and private initiatives were founded to fight for the preservation of the language. In many places, bilingual street signs were erected and Gaelic was once again taught in schools and even in academic education. This period also saw the founding of an institute for higher education on the Isle of Skye, Sabhal Mòr Ostaig - today the Gaelic campus of the University of the Highlands.

A number of institutions are now working to preserve the Gaelic language, and Gaelic has been politically recognised as Scotland's second official language since 2005. There are Gaelic pre-school groups and school classes, cultural and political support from Bòrd na Gàidhlig, Gaelic radio programmes on BBC Radio nan Gàidheal, the Gaelic television channel BBC-Alba (since September 2008) and the Gaelic Book Council, Comhairle nan Leabhraichean, which ensures the publishing, distribution and dissemination of Scottish Gaelic literature. Proiseact nan Ealan is an agency that also promotes the Gaelic arts nationally and internationally.

It is not only in Scotland that there is a struggle to preserve the old language and culture. In Canada, the Gaelic College in Nova Scotia and the German Centre for Gaelic Language and Culture in Bonn also offer the opportunity to get to know the culture and language through a variety of events and courses.[1]

Scotland fans have long been familiar with the raw sound and melancholy charm of this language through music. Music groups such as Runrig, Capercaillie and better-known performers such as Julie Fowlis, Mary Smith, Margaret Stewart, Blair Douglas etc. are ambassadors of a language and culture with their interpretations of old and new Gaelic songs, which enrich the European cultural patchwork design and bravely but relatively hopelessly oppose the language change caused by the increasing influence of English.

Representatives of Gaelic language and culture are of course also the Scottish single malt whiskies. Many of them still bear Gaelic names or names that more or less successfully reflect the Gaelic pronunciation in English spelling.

For many single malt fans, pronouncing the name correctly is a real challenge.

Here are some Gaelic whisky names:

The pronunciation of Scottish Gaelic words is subject to a complex set of rules. If you want to venture into the wondrous world of the Scottish Gaelic language, we recommend the recently published textbook by Michael Klevenhaus. If you then succumb to the fascination of this beautiful old language, you have the opportunity to delve deeper into this material in song and language courses, either on an ongoing weekly basis or in compact seminars at weekends. (all information at www.schottisch-gaelisch.de)

But enough words now!

We wish you slàinte mhath, which means "good health" or "to your health", to enjoy your single malt.

Le deagh dhùrachd,
Patricia Jantke"

1 All information on the history of Scottish Gaelic in: Michael Klevenhaus,
Lehrbuch der schottisch-gälischen Sprache, Hamburg, Buske-Verlag, 2009, pp. XIII-XVII

2 Ibid., p. 327

The correct pronunciation of whisky terms makes it easier to understand, communicate and enjoy distillates from all over the world. Different regions - such as Scotland, Ireland, Japan or the USA - have their own pronunciations, which are often closer to the original language than the German spelling would suggest. A basic understanding of typical pronunciations will help you to identify terms correctly and speak with confidence during tastings or conversations.