Saoirse Ronan teaches US chat show host to pronounce Irish names
For some reason part of us loves how confused people from other countries get about Irish names. Okay, maybe we’re being a bit mean, but it’s funny – and it engenders a pride in our unique culture.
So we got a good kick out of watching the luminous and very charming Saoirse Ronan banter with US chat show host Stephen Colbert about the Irish accent, and more specifically how to pronounce Irish names.
When first asked about the spelling of her own name Saoirse jokingly says “Doesn’t make any sense. It’s a ridiculous name!”
And it seems Stephen Colbert wants to conquer the pronunciation of Irish names once and for all.
“There are so many Irish names that are almost impossible for people who aren’t from Ireland to pronounce,” he tells Saoirse, pulling out a pack of cards with names written on them. “These are real Irish names, tell me how to pronounce them.”
He then goes through numerous popular Irish names like Niamh, Siobhan, and Oisin, becoming more and more baffled by their pronunciation.
“And this is the one that really breaks my brain,” Stephen says, pulling out a card that say Caoimhe
“Caoimhe,” pronounces Saoirse.
“Once again?” asks Stephen.
“Caoimhe.”
“You go to hell!”
Hehehe.