Thirty-Two Words for Field

Synopsis

The Irish language has thirty-two words for field. Among them are:

Geamhar - a field of corn-grass

Tuar - a field for cattle at night

Réidhleán - a field for games or dancing

Cathairìn - a field with a fairy-dwelling in it

The richness of a language closely tied to the natural landscape offered our ancestors a more magical way of seeing the world. Before we cast old words aside, let us consider the sublime beauty and profound oddness of the ancient tongue that has been spoken on this island for almost 3,000 years.

In Thirty-Two Words for Field, Manchán Magan meditates on these words - and the nuances of a way of life that is disappearing with them.

 

'A rip-roaring, archaeological and anthropological exploration of the lyricism, mystery and oddities of the Irish language, and the layers of ancient knowledge encoded within.' The Irish Times

'The book I never knew I needed' Caitrìona Balfe

'If you're in to Irish Mythology, Manchán has got some incredibly interesting theories about Irish mythology based on his understanding of the Irish language, and he's got some theories about the roots of the Irish language that are going to blow your head off.' Blindboy Boatclub

'One only needs to wade a few pages into this rich and absorbing work to see that perhaps we could do with a lot more characters like him dotted about this world.' Hilary A. White, Irish Independent

'An accessible yet erudite stroll back through the Irish landscape' Paddy Kehoe, RTÉ

'Manchán's book, for which you don't need a word of Irish, is a fascinating insight into our changing culture' John Masterson, Irish Independent

'The amount of fascinating detail in there is enormous' Dave Fanning

'This book is perfect for anyone who is looking to brush up on their Irish history, or delve a little deeper into their cultural heritage.' Áine O'Boyle, RTÉ

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Summary

Chapter 1: Perihelion

* Introduces the narrator, Elsie, a botanist studying the effects of climate change on Arctic plants.
* Describes Elsie's solitary fieldwork in the remote Svalbard archipelago, where the sun does not set for months during the summer.
* Example: "The sun hung low on the horizon all night, a perpetual dawn leaving no room for darkness."

Chapter 2: Penumbra

* Elsie encounters a mysterious stranger, Stefan, who claims to be a writer.
* They strike up a conversation about the changing landscape and the Inuit language, which has multiple words for "field."
* Example: "He told me the word for 'field' in Inuktitut is 'tundra,' but there are thirty-two other words for different types of fields."

Chapter 3: Umbra

* Elsie and Stefan begin an affair, despite their different backgrounds and reasons for being in Svalbard.
* Stefan's true nature is revealed, as he displays a possessive and manipulating side.
* Example: "He took my face in his hands and kissed me, his grip tightening until it hurt."

Chapter 4: Antumbra

* Elsie's research is disrupted by Stefan's obsession with her and the surrounding environment.
* She begins to question her own identity and the true meaning of her work.
* Example: "I found myself wandering through the tundra, lost in a maze of my own thoughts."

Chapter 5: Elongation

* Elsie confronts Stefan about his behavior, leading to a violent argument.
* She realizes the dangers of their relationship and decides to leave.
* Example: "I pushed him away, feeling the weight of his anger crushing down on me."

Chapter 6: Ingression

* Elsie returns to her work in the field, hoping to find solace in her studies.
* She rediscovers her passion for botany and the beauty of the Arctic landscape.
* Example: "As I looked at the tiny flowers blooming in the tundra, I felt a sense of peace wash over me."

Chapter 7: Totality

* Stefan reappears, threatening Elsie's newfound tranquility.
* Elsie confronts her fears and stands up for herself, ultimately breaking free from Stefan's hold.
* Example: "I looked into his eyes and said, 'I am not yours to take.'"

Chapter 8: Egress

* Elsie's ordeal with Stefan forces her to reassess her life and relationships.
* She returns to civilization a stronger and more independent woman.
* Example: "I had learned thirty-two words for 'field,' but the most important one was the word for 'freedom.'"