Re: finally made it | Forum — The Modern Antiquarian

Kammer Aug 19, 2004 08:53:41

Replying to baza

I know of Calanais, Callanish, Callanish I, Classernis, Callernish, and Tursachan Callernish but I've not come across Fir Bhreig before. Having Googled it, it looks like this translates as 'dancing men' or 'false men' in Gaelic.

I think we'll have to agree to disagree on this one Baza. Perhaps my point is as much about politics as it is about etymology. I see exactly what you're saying though, and I sympathise with the frustration that Burl was venting in his article for Brit Arch (I sympathise, but I don't empathise).

:-)#

K x

greywether Aug 19, 2004 09:27:56

Replying to Kammer

Isn't the point more one of de-anglicisation rather than an attempt at re-gaelicisation which may or may not have worked?

The Western Isles Councils decided some years ago that all anglicised names would be removed from road signs and town names so eg you will not see any references to Stornoway just Steornabhagh. (Brown tourist signs are the exception which understandably give anglicised translations where necessary but they are erected by the tourist boards.)

Callanish (the village) would be included process and I assume the residents agreed to the chosen Calanais.

The actual entymology here is more a matter of academic interest.

baza Aug 19, 2004 16:27:28

Replying to Kammer

>I think we'll have to agree to disagree on this one Baza.

Okay Kammer, I agree to disagree.........

after I've made one final point.

:o)

Looking at the ending of the word(s), I can't see how Callanish can be an Anglicised version of Kallardnes or Classernis or whatever because the English suffix for a promontory is -ness. The suffix -ness comes directly from the Norse -nes.

Baz