We're All Speaking English Here

It's true.  In Ireland, English is spoken.  It sounded so easy before we moved over here but turns out, there is still a language barrier.  There have been many time where Brian and I just don't have a clue what someone said.  


Look at the address Brian wrote down below.  He needed to send in a form to set up his work payroll, and had to make a call to get the address.  After speaking with the first person and asking him to repeat himself a few too many times, Brian gave up and tried to find the address online.  When his Googling failed, he decided to call back and this time asked the second person to spell out every word in the address. 


His Attempt:
The Leery - Rathmines, Tax District
Landhot Read - Dublin 5


Actual Address:
Dunlaoghaire Rathdown Revenue District
Lansdown House - Dublin 4


We'll know if he got it right if he gets a paycheck next month, let's hope so!

It's not just understanding people when they are speaking, but reading and pronouncing words can be just as difficult.  Here are some examples and their pronunciation.


Howth - rhymes with "both"
Dun Laoghaire - dun LEERY
Smithwicks - SMI ddicks
St Georges Quay - St. Georges KEY


Seriously?  Is there a secret to learning this? 


I asked Brian if his co-workers have a hard time understanding him.  He asked his cube-mate "Hey, Stephen, do you have a hard time understanding me?"  His response "What?"  


Does it go both ways?  They do have an advantage as American movies and TV are very popular over here, so they hear "us" a lot more than we hear them.


It will take time, but sooner or later we'll be speaking "Quay" and "Dun Laoghaire" like a local.  Or at least that's the plan.