Scots Language Center

New Testament Readings now on Kirk web site

Wed, 29 Jul 2009 02:00:00 +0000 GMT

The Scots Language Centre’s series of weekly readings from the Lorimer New Testament can now be heard on the Church of Scotland’s web site as well as at the Centre and the web site of Homecoming Scotland.

Michael Hance, Director of SLC, has welcomed the Kirk’s decision to use the material in the Scots worship resources section of its web site. Hance said, “I’m very pleased to have come to an agreement with the Church of Scotland to have these recordings available on its site. Having the recordings accessible on the Kirk’s site will give make them more accessible and enable even more people to enjoy Tom Fleming’s interpretation of the translation.”

Scots worship
http://www.churchofscotland.or

Old Testament Book translated into Scots

Tue, 28 Jul 2009 11:37:00 +0000 GMT

Duncan Sneddon's Scots translation of the Old Testament book of Amos can now be read online on the Church of Scotland's website. It was first published this spring in the "Theology in Scotland" journal. and now joins Psalms, sermons and prayers as part of the Scots Worship resources.

Former Moderator of the General Assembly of the Church of Scotland Prof. R.S. Barbour said of the translation that is 'both accurate and vigorous, and should give the reader an excellent idea of the force of the original.'

The Scots worship resources on the Kirk's website are intended both as a resource for use in public worship and private devotion.

If you feel you can contribute to the Scots Worship resources, please write to the Office for Worship and Doctrine at: wordoc@cofscotland.org.uk

The translation of Amos can be found at http://www.churchofscotland.or

Traditional Arts Working Group - Public Meetings

Tue, 28 Jul 2009 10:37:00 +0000 GMT

David Francis, the chair of the Traditional Arts Working Group, will be hosting a series of public meetings across Scotland to allow as many people as possible the opportunity to feed their views into the group's ongoing work. The meetings are open to anyone with an interest in the sector.

Kirkwall - Monday 3 August - 18:30 - 20:30
Wrigleys Sisters Centre, Castle St
Glasgow - Tuesday 4 August - 18:30 - 20:30
College of Piping, Otago St
Dumfries - Thursday 6 August - 18:30 - 20:30
DG One - Hood's Loaning
Fort William - Saturday 8 August - 14:30 - 16:30
Fired-Art, 147 High Street

Further public meetings are planned during September in Edinburgh, Benbecula and Huntly. Details will be posted on the web site below.

For further information on the working group please visit -
http://www.scotland.gov.uk/Top

Languages Forum holds conference in Orkney

Tue, 28 Jul 2009 10:05:00 +0000 GMT

The Forum for Research on the Languages of Scotland and Ulster held its triennial conference last week at Orkney College in Kirkwall. The conference heard papers on attitudes to Scots in Midlothian, dialect and identity in Shetland and immigration and dialect in Orkney.

A range of speakers from Scotland and overseas joined in the various sessions and discussions. Retiring chair of the Forum, Derrick McClure, described the conference as a, “great success”. Speaking after the conference had ended, McClure said, “We listened to some excellent papers this week, in particular about the study of language and dialect in the Northern Isles.”

Speakers came from as far away as Canada, Andalusia, Norway, Austria, Sweden and Germany.

Organisers plan to make papers from the conference available on the FRLSU web site either at the end of this year or beginning of next. Dr Robert Millar of Aberdeen University succeeds Derrick McClure as Forum chair.

FRLSU – www.abdn.ac.uk/frlsu/

Orkney College - www.orkney.uhi.ac.uk

Honorary Doctorate for Mither Tongue Man

Tue, 21 Jul 2009 12:48:00 +0000 GMT

Billy Kay, long-time broadcaster, writer, and campaigner for the Scots language, was awarded an honorary degree this month in recognition of his work in Scottish culture and the Scots language. Billy, who entered broadcasting in 1979 and is author of ‘Scots The Mither Tongue’, was given his honorary degree by the University of the West of Scotland at a graduation ceremony held on 1 July 2009 in Troon Concert Hall. Professor Seamus McDaid, who is Principal and Vice Chancellor of the University, commented “We are delighted to award Billy Kay with an Honorary Doctorate. He has made a significant contribution to Scottish culture and is a fitting recipient of this honour.” The Scots Language Centre was delighted by the news and commented “It’s rare that sic a bonnie fechter for the leid haes been honoured this wey.”

SLD seeks Outreach Assistant

Thu, 16 Jul 2009 12:47:00 +0000 GMT

Scots Language Dictionaries have advertised the post of Outreach/education assistant (3 days a week), £18,000 (pro rata).
The successful candidate will assist in a number of important areas promoting Scots Language Dictionaries as an organisation and working with external bodies. The post involves providing educational material for Scots, material for Scuilwab (www.scuilwab.org.uk), co-authoring primary school grammar book in Scots, and visiting various schools and writers' groups. In addition, the successful appliacnt will assist with grant applications and write documents in Scots.

The post will be based at 25 Buccleuch Place, Edinburgh, though there will also be some travel. Applicants should have studied Scots at honours level and have some teaching experience.

To apply, please enlcose a CV and covering letter, along with the names and contact details for two referees, of whom one must be an academic. Applications should be sent by the closing date of 31 August 2009 to the Director at Chris.robinson@scotsdictionaries.org.uk. For more information please phone 0131 650 4149 or visit the website at www.scotsdictionaries.org.uk

New Writing Scotland 27 published

Thu, 16 Jul 2009 12:11:00 +0000 GMT

The latest volume of 'New Writing Scotland', from the Association for Scottish Literary Studies, is about to hit the streets. Entitled ' In the Line of Fire' this will be number 27 in the series and includes writing in English, Gaelic and Scots. The series publishes both prose and poetry by both established and new contemporary writers. If you would like to purchase a copy please contact the ASLS at office@asls.org.uk or by phone 0141 330 5309.

Calling Doric writers

Thu, 16 Jul 2009 02:46:00 +0000 GMT

The Annual Doric Writing Competition is calling for entries. Writers may submit up to three entries in all categories. The categories are Short Story (£50 prize, £25 runner-up), Poem (£50 & £25), One Act Play (£50 & £25) and Best Over All (£50 & £25). All work must be in North East Scots (Doric)and must not have been previously published. The best over all winner will also receive the Connon Cup. Deadline for entries is Friday 11 September. For more information, or an entry form, please enquire with Mrs Phyllis J Goodall on pjg@timberford.demon.co.uk or phone 01466 792298 or Mrs Margaret H Grant on dangrant@dangrant.plus.co.uk or phone 01466 793060.

Winning entries will be revealed at an awards ceremony to be held in the Gordon Arms Hotel, Huntly, on 7 October 2009 as part of the Doric Festival.

Burns not a manic depressive

Thu, 09 Jul 2009 12:09:00 +0000 GMT

Recently a controversy erupted over claims that Scots language bard Robert Burns might have been a manic depressive. Joan Charles, who has provided ‘intuitive readings’ of handwriting for over twenty years, and is a business consultant, was asked to examine the handwriting of Burns to mark the 250th Homecoming anniversary. Charles ventured that his handwriting showed he might have suffered from some depression but afterwards the story took on a life of its own. It was afterwards claimed in the press that not only was Burns a manic depressive but that the National Trust for Scotland had been seeking to cover this up in order to avoid the tag that Burns was a so-called ‘lunatic’. Charles has since commented that her insight into the mental state of the bard had been taken out of context and that she did not claim he was a manic depressive.

Government to set up Scots advisory group

Thu, 25 Jun 2009 12:56:00 +0000 GMT

Further to the government conference held on the Scots language, at the University of Stirling on 9 February 2009, and the publication of those proceedings, the Scottish Government is now seeking to establish a working group to take advice and make suggestions how best to move forward from the Scots language audit of 2008. Accordingly, members of the Scots language community are invited to put forward the names of suitable individuals who they think would take part in the Scots working group which would meet under the auspices of the Minister for Culture, External Affairs and the Constitution. Suggestions for names should be sent to Michael Napier, Policy Officer, at the Scottish Government, either by way of e-mail:

Michael.Napier@Scotland.gsi.gov.uk

or by post to Michael Napier, Promotion of Scotland and Tourism Divison: Gaelic and Scots Unit, The Scottish Government, Area 2-J North, Victoria Quay, Edinburgh EH6 6QQ. Telephone 0131 244 4942.

Suggestions should be sent no later than the deadline of 3 August 2009.

MSP's controversy in the aisles

Thu, 25 Jun 2009 02:41:00 +0000 GMT

Dr Bill Wilson, MSP for West of Scotland, has proposed that supermarkets and other shops in Scotland should label produce with their Scots names as well as the English equivalents. In response to this idea, it has been reported that Richard Todd, of the Scottish Retail Consortium, has said that the Consortium must only use ‘correct’ words. In a press statement Wilson has challenged Todd over his suggestion that the Scots language terms for items of produce were somehow ‘incorrect’ and asked why Scots vocabulalry was not being employed by shops in localities around Scotland.

Wilson did not suggest that every individual item should be provided with a Scots label, but rather that supermarket and shop shelves and sections could be marked or headed with a Scots name for the items being sold. He said that this could be done at minimal cost and would certainly enhance ‘Brand Scotland’ in tourist markets as well as raising the profile of Scottish produce.

Wilson further added that the apparent attitude of the Scottish Retail Consortium was “cultural arrogance” and made a “mockery” of the Year of Homecoming and of the language of Robert Burns that it was intended to celebrate.

Dublin and Lewis acts win minority language song competition

Tue, 23 Jun 2009 12:02:00 +0000 GMT

Scots Language Center: Dublin and Lewis acts win minority language song competition Scots Language Center: Dublin and Lewis acts win minority language song competition Last Saturday night two young acts were chosen to represent the Celtic & Scots languages at the Liet International Song Competition for European minority languages. Ten acts from the various Celtic and Scots languages travelled from far and wide to Eden Court Theatre, Inverness, Scotland, to perform in front of an enthusiastic audience. The event was also broadcast live over the internet.

The live audience as well as the global internet audience voted for their favourite act and ultimately chose the young Isle of Lewis rock act Sunrise Not Secular singing their song Lasair an t-Oidhche (Flame of the Night) in Scottish Gaelic. Lead vocalist, David Nicolson said David said "Nòs Ùr was one of the most incredible experiences to date for Sunrise Not Secular. Winning the vote was incredibly humbling, a great victory for the Gaelic language and a testament to the fans' overwhelming support. We couldn't be happier."

Five independent jury members, representing the various language groups, decided to give the jury winners prize to the respected Dublin singer-songwriter Fiach who's song was titled Sea Táim (So I) in Irish Gaelic.

The event was hosted by TV star Tony Kearney and acclaimed singer-songwriter Karine Polwart who enthralled the audience after the intermission with her own newly composed song in the Scots tongue.

Micheal Russell MSP, the Minister for Culture, External Affairs & The Constitution, gave a rousing speech at the prize-giving stating “In Scotland, we need to make sure, in every circumstance, that Gaelic and Scots is spoken, particularly on stage, in music, for audiences who wish to hear it. The songs you heard tonight are a celebration of all the Celtic and Scots language nations.”

Event organiser, Brian Ó hEadhra said “Nòs Ùr grows year on year and the positive feedback from the audience and artistes has been incredible. The event challenges old fashioned notions some folk have about minority language speakers and we aim to demonstrate that there is a vibrant and healthy future for our indigenous languages.”

Text supplied by Brian Ó hEadhra

Nòs Ùr http://www.nos-ur.eu/index.htm

There is no Scots version of this article.

You can listen to the Scots entries to the competition here.

New Translations

Tue, 23 Jun 2009 11:30:00 +0000 GMT

Scots Language Center: New Translations Scots Language Center: New Translations Translations of two medieval Scots language texts have recently been published. 'The life and miracles of St Ninian' is a translation of an anonymous early 15th Century Scots poem. Set in Galloway, the text is a mixture of pious language and down-to-earth descriptions of miracles such as the speaking baby or sudden growing of kale for the hungry. Written by C E Palmer, the translation was published by the 'Friends of Whithorn Trust' and continues the Trust's series of events, talks and academic publications relating to St Ninian and the Whithorn area. Further information about the trust is at www.whithorn.com
Seamus Heaney is the translator of the Robert Henryson text 'The testament of Cresseid and seven fables'. This volume has been produced with the English and Scots sitting along side one another, enabling the reader to see where Heaney has altered rhyme scheme or modernised text. Copies of this book are available at www.booksfromscotland.com
Heaney shows that translations of poetry work well when the translator is a poet as well as a linguist. We can listen here to two further poets reading translations. John Manson has translated Giuseppe Ungaretti's work 'San Martine Del Carso'. John is well known MacDiarmid expert. David Douglas also combines writing poetry with translating. Here we can listen to 'Grappa in September' by Cesear Parvese.

Centre and Lorimer Trust set to merge

Mon, 22 Jun 2009 11:03:00 +0000 GMT

At a meeting held last week at the National Library, members of the SLC Council agreed to consider a proposal to take over the running of the Lorimer Trust, the body set up to raise awareness of the Scots translation of the New Testament.

Council members heard Trust representatives, Priscilla Lorimer and Robin Hodge, report how pleased they had been about the ways in which the relationship between the organisations had developed in the two years since they had begun to work together.

The Trust and the Council are now aiming to bring the organisations together in September to coincide with the 26th anniversary of the first publication of the New Testament

Scots Conference report published

Mon, 22 Jun 2009 10:50:00 +0000 GMT

A report of the meeting held in February by the Scots government to consider the contents of the Scots Audit was published on Saturday.

Full details of the report can be accessed on the Scottish government’s web site at http://www.scotland.gov.uk/Pub

Joyce Falconer talks about return to River City

Mon, 22 Jun 2009 09:56:00 +0000 GMT

Scots speaking actor, Joyce Falconer, has been back in BBC Scotland’s soap, River City, for the funeral of her small screen sister, Shona.

In this interview for STV, Joyce talks about the soap, her recent tour with the National Theatre of Scotland and how her famous cackle means that she only gets the baddie parts in Christmas pantos.

Click to watch the full interview.
http://entertainment.stv.tv/sh

Wigtown Primary encouraging Scots language

Thu, 11 Jun 2009 09:20:00 +0000 GMT

Wigtown Primary headteacher Stewart Anderson is a lifelong supporter of the Scots language, and has been instrumental in creating a reading incentive scheme which encourages the use of Scots language. Known as the Wigtown Passport, the scheme involves the children from Nursery to Primary 7 with the wider 'book' community - the library, the Dumfries and Galloway Literature Development Officer Davie Kelly, the Wigtown Book Festival, various children's authors and the local newspaper. The children have to complete a series of tasks to achieve different award levels. These range from joining the library to sending a review of an author event to the Galloway Gazette. The school created lists of suggested reading books and for each award level a certain number of books need to be read. From the start Scots language texts are among the 'required' reading. The children are encouraged to write in Scots, indeed by Primary 7 they have to write a review in Scots. The use of Scots is backed up by teachers using Scots in the classroom and the school having a series of posters in Scots around the school corridors. Even the Passport scheme logo contains Scots words. Mr Anderson pointed out that the positive benefits have surpassed expectations, "an unexpected bonus has been an improvement in writing skills".

Third European Charter Report Released

Tue, 09 Jun 2009 03:02:00 +0000 GMT

The Third periodical report relating to the European Charter for Regional or Minority Languages has been released in accordance with Article 15 of the Charter. This Report, which relates to languages in the United Kingdom, runs to 364 pages and will interest any one wishing to learn what officaldom is doing in relation to the Scots language, both in Scotland and Ulster. The Report, dated 26 May 2009, details what actions, if any, government has taken to facilitate and support the use of designated languages, including Scots. In previous reports there was virtually nothing to be said on behalf of the Scots language community, but this time around there are, at least, stirrings of intended action. Though provision for Scots pales alongside other languages in the Report, there are a number of statements that the Scottish government intends to promote Scots and will use the recent Scots Audit as its starting point for further actions. The Scottish Government also declares its intention of introducing a Scots question on the 2011 census. To read more please refer to the PDF file below.

Call to Ulster Scots Youngsters

Tue, 09 Jun 2009 02:18:00 +0000 GMT

Yorkisland Arts and Heritage Association, in Northern Ireland, is calling for singers, instrumentalists, poets and story tellers under the age of 25 to perform through the medium of the Scots dialect of Ulster. Entrants can perform either solo or in a group of up to four. Entry to the competition, called Ulster-Scots Talent, is free and will provide winning performers the chance to perform in the media. The competition will take place during 28-31 August 2009 and those interested should contact yorkisland@hotmail.com

Scottish Newspapers Becoming Less Scottish

Thu, 04 Jun 2009 01:24:00 +0000 GMT

A new and fascinating book by Dr Fiona Douglas suggests that home-grown Scottish newspapers have become much less Scottish since the advent of devolution while English-based papers are growing in Scotland. Dr Douglas, who, since the 1990’s, has studied the use of both the Scots language and Scottish-accented English in the written press, has been able to reveal certain trends about the use of language in Scottish newspapers. In her book, called ‘Scottish Newspapers, Language and Identity’, she shows that Scottish newspapers traditionally made use of certain Scots words and phrases as a way of boosting their native credentials to Scottish readers and that this process, in turn, has played a significant role in maintaining separate Scottish cultural and poltical identity. Douglas studied several widely-read newspapers in Scotland during the period 1995-2005, including the Daily Record, Herald, Scotsman and The Sun, and found that the amount of Scots words and phrases in papers such as the Herald and Scotsman has declined significantly, though the Daily Record had grown. At the same time she found strong evidence for English-based newspapers breaking into the Scottish market and increasingly using Scots words and phrases as a way of selling their papers to Scottish readers. Douglas cites a Scottish press in crisis that is having to battle with Scottish branch editions of English newspapers, with all the ideological and political implications of dominance by non-native interests. For anyone with an interest in the maintenance and development of Scottish identity and language, this book will no doubt prove a powerful, and timely, read. The book is published by Edinburgh University Press and enquiries may be directed to www.euppublishing.com (ISBN 978 0 7486 2437 9).