PII 2008 Spring15a [Lesson 1 / Ceacht a haon]
A chairde / friends,
My name is Gerard Hanney, or in Irish, Gearóid Ó hAnnaidh. I will be your tutor for this course. Hope you enjoy it.
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A note about Grammar. Since I cannot predict in advance what questions you may ask, I do not intend to prepare a detailed Grammar Summary for each lesson. Instead, just like in a real world class, I will answer these questions to the best of my ability, when they come up.
However, those of you who are interested in Grammar, can have a look at some of the links and resources (Áiseanna) on my website: http://www.gaeilge-resources.eu  especially the Grammar Supplement :
http://www.gaeilge-resources.eu/Files/piiforabhargramadai.pdf

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Let's start with Lesson 1.

Tús Maith Leath na hOibre ~ Start / Good / (is) / Half (of) / the Work = A Good Start is Half the Work

Please:
* Read through the Vocabulary for this Lesson in the "Foghlaim/Learn" section.
* Listen *several times* to the recording of the vocabulary for this lesson, which is stored in the Group's Files folder: 01_PII_Vocab.mp3. Read out loud the word list until you are satisfied with your pronunciation. 
* Try and memorize these words. [A] It might be useful to write them out in a two column list on a page and fold it in two, to just display the Irish words. Carry this list around with you and revise it frequently until you know the words off by heart. Just a few minutes each day, that's all it takes. [B] You could also save the MP3 file to a portable MP3 player or iPod and listen to the recording, a few times a day. [C] Another useful tip, is to have a look at the Flashcards at: http://www.flashcardexchange.com/flashcards/view/301370, which contains a set of cards, with the Vocab for this lesson. [D] Or perhaps you could try the crossword at: http://irish.rownw.com/xwds/l1.html which uses the words from lesson 1.
* Read out loud the sentences in the "Léigh/Read" section.
* Write out the answers to the questions in the "Freagair/Answer" section.
* Listen to the related sound file for this complete lesson. To find the sound file, on the left hand side of this Group's page, click on "Links". There you'll see a link called "Comhaid Fhuaime/Sound Files". Click on this to see a list of Sound Files for all the PII lessons. Click on the file for this Lesson.
[ Note ] In Irish, the Verb normally comes first in a sentence. e.g. Tá Gearóid ag gáire.
[Homework ] 
* Translate the sentences in the "Cuir Gaeilge Air Seo/Put Irish on this" section into Irish. 
* Look up the Nouns that are in this lesson's vocabulary in a dictionary. Note, you will need to look for 'Bean'  rather than 'Bhean'. The 'h' is added because it is a feminine noun following 'an'.
You may send homework as a Word document, via E-mail to my gmail address.
Beir bua agus beannacht /Best wishes
Gearóid