As the official language of Ireland, Irish English has its own unique features that distinguish it from other forms of English. One of the most notable features of Irish English is the use of agreement, which is the process of making sure that the subject and verb in a sentence match in terms of number and person.
Irish English agreement can take two forms: the standard agreement and the non-standard agreement. Standard agreement is when the subject and verb match in number and person, while non-standard agreement is when the subject and verb do not match in number and person.
In general, Irish English tends to use non-standard agreement more frequently than other forms of English. For example, you might hear a sentence like “The team are playing well” instead of “The team is playing well.” This is because in Irish English, collective nouns like “team” can take plural verbs.
Another example of non-standard agreement in Irish English is the use of the singular “they.” This is when “they” is used to refer to a single person, instead of using “he” or “she.” For example, “If someone wants to update their profile, they should go to the settings page.”
Although non-standard agreement may seem incorrect to some speakers of other forms of English, it is considered a valid form of agreement in Irish English. In fact, it is often used to reflect the colloquial and informal nature of the language.
In addition to non-standard agreement, Irish English also has some unique features when it comes to standard agreement. For example, in certain cases, the verb “to be” is often omitted. Instead, the subject is followed by an adjective or noun phrase. For example, instead of saying “I am happy,” you might hear “I happy.”
In conclusion, Irish English agreement is a fascinating aspect of the language that sets it apart from other forms of English. Whether you are a native speaker of Irish English or simply an admirer of the language, understanding its unique features can enhance your appreciation of this rich and vibrant language.