Re: ONeills Irish _________ was so incomprehensible to the Royal visitor
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24 Apr 2023, 04:00
OE
Patois. Since the negotiators find O'Neill “incomprehensible,” there must be something in his speech, not the tone or content of that speech, that is confusing them. Patois is a regional dialect, in contrast to the official language spoken by the negotiators (Queen's English). The Royal visitors would not find any of the other characteristics—fortitude (courage, resilience), equanimity (composure, mental calmness), diffidence (hesitance or resistance to speak), consternation (amazement or dismay that leads to confusion)— “incomprehensible,” nor do any of these relate to the clue about speech.