Subjective Phrases.
We give a small selection of phrases of this type, but suggest that such phrases should be formed by the teacher as required. If he is short of materials, Doyle's LEAḂAR CAINTE and other sources may be drawn upon. 'Die phrases should he pertinent to the subject in hand, and elaborate explanations of them need not be given, the teacher relying mainly on gestures, emphasis and expression to convey the meaning. For instance, the phrase na bac leis would be difficult to explain in English, but the use of the phrase with appropriate expression on a few occasions, will make the meaning clear. The pupils should be encouraged to use these phrases as much as possible. It is to be remembered that the Series is the principal lesson, and, in teaching, it should not be displaced by devoting too much time to subjective phrases. The latter should be used as a help and an adjunct, not as a substitute. The Series are the meat, the subjective phrases the condiment. It has been already indicated how the subjective language may have an innings of its own at the beginning and end of the lesson; this will be better than overloading the lesson proper with this class of language. The pupils are not supplied with written copies of the subjective phrases; the teacher should, therefore, take frequent opportunities of writing these phrases on the blackboard, always after they are introduced orally, so that the students may recognise them by the eye, as well as by the ear.
