<BR><br><br> Welsh and Irish are both Celtic languages and are quite similar, in terms of grammar and syntax. I understand that Prof. Tolkien said that he disliked "Gaelic", but I cannot see how he found it harsh and uncouth. The fricitive consonants are softer than in, say, German, and the eclipses soften the sound even further. In comparison to Irish, many Irish speakers find English to be rather brash and lacking in subtlety. <br> <br> I recognise little Irish in the Black Speech, but more in Elvish. This of course could be by way of the Welsh influence on Tolkien. I also understand that Finnish may be an even greater influence on the Elvish.<br> <br> Nuair a bhí mé óg, bhí mé i mo chonaí i dTír na nÓg. Caithain aois níos mó a bheidh agam, agus fuair mé bás, beidh mé ansin arís, tá súil agam. <p></p>
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