English As We Speak It in Ireland

"English As We Speak It in Ireland" by P. W. Joyce is a linguistic study written in the early 20th century. This work explores the unique dialect of English spoken in Ireland, detailing its significant influences from both the Irish language and Old English, as well as its evolution through local usage. Joyce aims to provide a comprehensive analysis of the Anglo-Irish dialect, highlighting both its vocabulary and idiomatic expressions. The opening of the book serves as a preface where Joyce outlines his motivations and experiences in compiling this linguistic resource. He discusses the need for deeper analysis of the Anglo-Irish dialect, as previous writings have largely focused on superficial lists of dialectical words and phrases. In this early section, Joyce also reflects on the influences shaping Irish English, detailing his extensive research and the diverse sources that contributed to his collection, from his own recollections to contributions from others, folklore, and literature. This sets the foundation for a detailed examination of the dialect throughout the subsequent chapters.