Irish Statistics
Many say that Ireland is a Christian nation. The Irish Times just published the results of a Religious Knowledge Survey in Ireland. Interesting results. Check it out:
5% of 15-24 year olds could quote the 1st of the Ten Commandments.
32% didn't know where Jesus was born; 35% didn't know what we celebrate at Easter.
52% could name Matthew, Mark, Luke and John as authors of gospels, but only 38% knew that there are four gospels.
47% could name the Father, Son and Holy Spirit as the members of the Trinity.
48% could name Genesis as the first book of the Bible.
According to the 2006 census, out of a total population of 4.2 million, 3.6 million claim to be Catholic (86%). The Church of Ireland is the next largest with 125,600 claiments (3%). Muslims came in as the third largest religious group, numbering 32,500 (.7%), which is probably slightly lower than the number of Evangelical Christians (estimated at approximately 1%). And yet, most young people don't even know the most basic facts about Christianity. Is this really a Christian nation?
Labels: Ireland
Irish Lingo
Here's a few words you might want to remember if you ever come visit us in Ireland...
Essentials:
"water closet" = bathroom
"loo" = toilet
In the car:
"boot" = trunk
"hooter" = horn
"indicator" = turn signal
"flyover" = overpass
"windscreen" = windsheild
"setdown" = drop off
"collect" = pick up
"top-up" = fill up
"petrol" = gas
At the table:
"serviette" = napkin
"cutlery" = silverwear
"rashers" = bacon
Other stuff:
"lads" = young people (guys or girls)
"hoover" = vacuum
"trolly bay" = shopping cart return
"knackered" = tired
"trousers" = pants
"pants" = underwear
"puffed" = out of breath
"craic" (pronounced: crack) = fun
that's a bit of what we learned, anyway. Have craic!
Labels: Ireland
