Amazon has partnered with comedian Aisling Bea to teach Alexa Ireland’s most popular words and phrases, allowing the voice assistant to explain local expressions in an Irish accent.
From today, customers can ask “Alexa, teach me some Irish sayings” to hear definitions of Ireland’s best-loved expressions read back to them. The update includes the country’s top 20 most popular phrases, identified through new research conducted by Amazon among Irish people.
Topping the list was “It’s grand,” followed closely by “What’s the craic?” and “Thanks a mill.” Other popular expressions include “Sláinte,” “Eejit,” “Sound,” and “Fair play to ye.”
The initiative comes as Amazon’s research revealed that nearly 80% of Irish people use uniquely Irish expressions daily, with 95% believing such language is an important part of their identity. The study also found that 78% would find it helpful if Alexa could explain Irish sayings, while almost two-thirds said their Irish vocabulary often isn’t understood outside Ireland.
Aisling Bea, who worked with Amazon to teach the voice assistant these expressions, said: “Our pal Alexa now understands what the craic is, and I am delighted to have helped teach Alexa how to be more than a bit sound.”
Meryem Tom, Alexa director in the UK and Ireland, described Irish sayings as “iconic” and part of what makes Irish culture “instantly recognisable around the world.” She added that language is “at the heart of how people connect with Alexa.”
The complete list of 20 expressions now featured in Alexa’s update includes: “It’s grand,” “What’s the craic?,” “Ah sure, it’ll be grand,” “Thanks a mill,” “What’s the story,” “Fair play to ye,” “Sound,” “Eejit,” “How’s things,” “You know yerself,” “That’s gas,” “Sláinte,” “Yer man,” “C’mere to me,” “Who’s yer man/yer woman,” “Adding ‘ah’ before a sentence,” “Giving out,” “Flat out,” “The craic was 90,” and “Good man yerself.”