Language: Irish Gaelic distinguishes "broad" and "slender" conson…

Question

Did you know? Irish Gaelic distinguishes "broad" and "slender" consonants — depending on whether the adjacent vowel is from the a/o/u group or the e/i group. That's why Irish often has two vowels next to each other in spelling: one actually pronounced, one to indicate consonant colour. "Sláinte" (cheers) sounds like "SLAWN-cha".

Accepted Answer

Irish Gaelic distinguishes "broad" and "slender" consonants — depending on whether the adjacent vowel is from the a/o/u group or the e/i group. That's why Irish often has two vowels next to each other in spelling: one actually pronounced, one to indicate consonant colour. "Sláinte" (cheers) sounds like "SLAWN-cha".

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