Page:Aids to the Pronunciation of Irish - Christian Brothers.djvu/10

vi Ferriter, and others. A knowledge of Desmond pronunciation is essential to the just appreciation of their poems.

(3) The best living Irish writers are likewise natives of Desmond—e.g., Rev. Fr. O'Leary, P.P. ; P. J. O’Shea ; Dermot Foley ; J. J. Doyle.

The following is a brief outline of the scope of the book, and of the method which has been adopted therein:—

(1) After a short introductory description of the vocal organs, the shape, position, and movements of them required for the production of the various vowels and consonants in Irish are described in detail.

(2) Having treated of the sounds of the vowels and consonants, a number of drill exercises on the joining of a vowel to a consonant are introduced, and then words of one syllable.

(3) As soon as the principles which govern the position of the tonic accent have been explained, the student is introduced to words of two, three, and four syllables containing simple vowel sounds.

(4) The aspirated consonants, and a completely new treatment of the Law are next introduced.

(5) The disturbing influences of the aspirated consonants and of the “protected liquids” are treated of in great detail.