Unit 16 - Expressing hope and expression
"I hope so"
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This unit introduces you to some vocabulary and phrases which will allow you to make comments about your hopes or expectations. One important word is ò (expectation, hope). The phrase tha ò ann means “there is hope” (which there always is for Gaelic learners!) In the following conversation, you will come across phraseology which looks strange to the unaccustomed eye, as it uses a double negative.
Here is how it works. If you can master it, the listener will think you extremely accomplished.
- Is Johnny in Glasgow?
- I don't think so.
- Is he in Aberdeen?
- I think so.
You will see that the final statement "cha chreid mi nach eil" means literally "I don't think that [he] isn't". This is a natural Gaelic phraseology in informal situations. Look out for it in the following conversation. Note also the way we say "me also" with a repetition of the verb: e.g. "tha mi sgìth" ("I am tired"), "tha is mise" ("me too").
Now listen to Iain and Seònaid, who are talking about going to a concert.
