Scots Language Center

Hospital says 'Gaunae no...'

Thu, 17 Jul 2008 04:20:00 +0100 GMT

NHS Tayside wants actor Ford Kiernan to voice his famous phrase in Scots from the TV show ‘Chewin’ The Fat; in its bid to make a hospital a smoke-free zone, the Daily Record has reported this week. Manager Brian Main told the paper that despite warnings that Ninewells hospital in Dundee is a cigarette-free zone, smokers were heading for the ‘fresh air garden’. NHS Tayside has decided that every time a person lights up around the hospital a speaker will broadcast Ford Kiernan’s voice saying ‘Gaunae no dae that’, a well-known line in Scots used in the TV show which they hope will get people to take notice of the no smoking message.

New book on Scottish printing

Thu, 17 Jul 2008 03:55:00 +0100 GMT

Antony Kamm, working in conjunction with the National Library of Scotland - who presently have an exihibition entitled 'Imprentit' - has written a new called 'Scottish Printed Books 1508-2008'. This book details the history of printing in Scotland since the first press was set up in Edinburgh by Chepman and Myllar in 1507. The earliest works, printed in Scots, date from 1508. The book is available from Sandstone Press for £5.99 at the following link: http://www.sandstonepress.com/

SLD holds auction

Thu, 17 Jul 2008 02:12:00 +0100 GMT

The staff at Scots Language Dictionaries are holding an eBay auction of goodies, mementos and other items donated by various Scottish celebrities as part of its drive to raise money towards the support of the SLD. Earlier this year, the SLD, along with other Scots organisations such as the Scots Language Centre, was told that from spring 2009 its funding from the Scottish Arts Council would be cut. Now many actors and others have come forward and donated personal mementos for the SLD to put up and auction. Among the celebrities who have contributed are Robbie Coltrane, Richard Wilson, Alan Cumming, Andrew Marr and Ronnie Corbett, and Scottish comic Hardeep Singh Kohli has offered to cook a meal for six people! For more about the various great offers please follow this link: http://www.scotsdictionaries.o

First Doric feature film on youtube

Mon, 14 Jul 2008 12:28:00 +0100 GMT

Mark Stirton, the Aberdeen based producer of "One Day Removals", the first full length feature film in Doric, the North east dialect of Scots, has posted a trailer for the film on youtube.

The film and the trailer contain some strong language.

Unspeakable Scot

Thu, 10 Jul 2008 12:13:00 +0100 GMT

English broadcasters at ITV have been told off for letting a Scot use swear words on television, the Daily Record reported this week. Apparently the broadcasters didn’t know that a Glasgow man in the audience of the Jeremy Kyle Show was swearing because they simply couldn’t understand what he was saying! The broadcasters were able to bleep out most of the swearing but another Scot complained to Ofcom. ITV said at the end of the day that it was sorry but commented “Because of the strength of the man’s accent, the comment was indistinct to non-Scottish viewers and was missed.” In the past both ITV and the BBC have admitted to similar accidents in broadcasting because staff could not understand Scottish accents or, indeed, people speaking in Scots itself.

Purves outlines the Way Forward for Scots

Mon, 07 Jul 2008 11:01:00 +0100 GMT

In the following article, veteran Scots campaigner, David Purves, outlines his views on the ways in which Scots could be encouarged and supported. The article first appeared in the Scots Independent. Thanks to the SI for allowing it to be reproduced here.

The Way Forward for Scots

By David Purves

In 1997 the Scottish Centre for Economic and Social Research (SCESR) published a paper I wrote entitled, ‘The Way Forward for the Scots Language’. The SCESR was a body convened by Peter Lynch, which had as its Honorary President, Alasdair Dunnet (Hon.Vice-Preses, Professor Christopher Harvie and Alex Salmond, MP). The aim of this kenspekkil body was to publish informed papers related to Scottish Self-Government, in order to stimulate thinking on the issue, prior to the establishment of a Scottish Parliament. This document, which was one of a series, included major sections on: WHAT SCOTS IS, HISTORICAL BACKGROUND, THE CURRENT STATE OF SCOTS and THE WAY FORWARD, together with appropriate references.

As a result of the subsequent establishment of a Scottish Parliament, parts of the 1997 publication have now been overtaken by events, such as the publication of a Scots Grammar by the Saltire Society and the establishment of a National Theatre. However, against this background, in 2006, an updated version of this document was recorded on the electricscots website, and this is now accessible to the Scots diaspora at a global level. The final section of the updated document, which is now appended, includes a list of Nine Reforms Necessary to Improve the Status of Scots Now that we have a Scottish Government with Ministers dedicated to cherishing Scotland’s cultural heritage, the time is now evidently appropriate for the re-publication of a hard copy of the SCESR document, which could provide a background for the implementation of the Government’s policy in relation to Scots. Unfortunately, the SCESR, having served its purpose. no longer seems to be extant as a source of publication.

Reforms Necessary to Improve the Status of Scots

The Scots language is an important badge of national identity and its erosion is a serious national problem in a world where communities based on trust everywhere are being destroyed by the process of globalisation. Without the survival of communities with common values based on trust, civilisation itself is endangered. The example set by Scotland is significant for the whole planet. The following reforms are necessary to arrest this decline and improve the status and prestige of Scots. The present condition of what was formerly the State language of Scotland, is a direct result of the loss of control of the Scottish people over their own destiny. Since the re-establishment in 1999 of a Scottish Parliament responsible for Scotland’s culture and linguistic heritage, it is a reasonable expectation that the following reforms will be implemented:

1.In a self-governing Scotland, the Scots language should have official status and should be recognised in public life, including the Courts and the Law, as a valuable part of the national heritage.

2.The Scots language should be included as an essential part of school curricula, both at primary and secondary level, and courses should be available at Scottish Universities.

3.In teaching at both school and university, the Scots language should be regarded as a separate, though closely related, linguistic system from English, with its own idioms, grammar, syntax and orthography.

4.The definition of the grammar and syntax of Scots and the standardisation of Scots orthography are necessary before Scots can be taught effectively at any level. The body of literature in Scots provides a foundation on which a standard written form could be based.

5.In order to create an image of ‘good Scots’ to which local dialects could be related, it is desirable that the teaching of Scots should refer to the substantial body of literature in Scots. Where there is some literature in local dialect, this will be a valuable complementary resource.

6.Scotland’s National Theatre should have as one of its primary functions the provision of resources, information and advice to help directors to improve standards of authenticity in dramatic productions in Scots.

7.In view of the fact that Scots is a language which can be understood to varying degree by the majority of people in Scotland, the Scots language should be given its rightful place in the media as a valuable aspect of the linguistic heritage.

8.The Scottish Parliament is now responsible for Scottish culture and linguistic heritage, and responsibility for broadcasting in Scotland would be necessary before Scots language could be given its proper place in radio and television.

9. The indigenous Scots names of streets and topographical features are vital parts of the national heritage and steps should be taken by Scottish government to prevent and reverse the anglicisation of such names.

Allocate funding for Scots say academics

Mon, 07 Jul 2008 10:17:00 +0100 GMT

A group of academics have told the Scottish government that they need to do more to support the Scots language. In a letter to Culture Minister, Linda Fabiani, members of the Forum for Research on the Languages of Scotland and Ulster say they are “astonished” that the Arts Council has decided to withdraw flexible funding to the Scots Language Centre and Scottish Language Dictionaries from next April.

The senior academics from universities in Northern Ireland and Scotland argue that projects undertaken by SLC and SLD, “badly need not only more funding, but more secure funding so that (the organisations) can continue their vital work without fear of cessation”.

The FRLSU is the latest of a number of individuals and organisations that have told the government about their concerns for the future funding of SLC and SLD.

The letter is signed by Derrick McClure, University of Aberdeen; John Kirk, Queens University, Belfast; Iseabail Macleod, former editor, Scottish Language Dictionaries; Robert Millar, University of Aberdeen; Wilhelm Nicolaisen, University of Aberdeen an Moray Watson, Aberdeen

Reading Bus launches Doric books

Thu, 03 Jul 2008 03:47:00 +0100 GMT

In 2007 Aberdeen City Council’s ‘Reading Bus’ sent out an appeal for writers to contribute poems in North East Scots – the Doric – for children aged 8-14 years. The venture turned out to be a great success with over 200 entries received, written by individuals variously aged 14 to 92. An editorial committee then met and selected 47 poems to be published as a book which is entitled ‘Fit Like, Yer Majesty?’ and which is illustrated by Bob Dewar. The book will be launched at a one day event to be held at Fyvie Castle on Thursday 11 September 2008. Copies can be purchased for £6.99 by contacting www.readingbus.co.uk but the book will also be available through some retail outlets.

In addition to this launch, and building upon the success of the venture, Reading Bus, in partnership with Aberdeenshire and Moray Councils, and the University of Aberdeen, are now inviting more entries for a similar Doric book aimed at 3-8 year olds which will appear in spring 2009. Anyone interested should send poems between 4 and 8 lines in length, along with name and contact details, either by e-mail: Doric@aberdeen-education.org.uk or by post to The Reading Bus Depot, Kittybrewster School, Great Northern Road, Aberdeen AB24 3QG by the deadline of 30 September 2008. The editorial committee will meet in October and inform successful entries soon after. Successful poets will have a choice of either £40 payment and a copy of the forthcoming book or five copies of the book. Profits will be spent preparing future works in Doric and authors will retain copyright.

The Reading Bus team has developed a whole series of learning experiences to be used in conjunction with the Doric poems, and activities, along with training sessions for staff, will be taking place throughout schools and the community from September 2008.

New Chair at Shetland ForWirds

Wed, 02 Jul 2008 10:18:00 +0100 GMT

The dialect promotion group, Shetland ForWirds, has a new convener and vice-convener following its recent AGM.

Writer and former teacher, Laureen Johnson is now leading SFW, with Eileen Brooke-Freeman elected as the new vice-convener.

Both are founding members of the group which was formed in 2004 to take forward the recommendations of a conference on the Shetland dialect held that year.

Laureen has been vice-convener since then and has played a vital role in developing the use of dialect in schools. SFW has welcomed the opportunity to work closely in partnership with the local authority’s education service. Laureen sees this educational initiative as the priority for SFW and vitally important for the survival of the dialect.

Eileen Brooke-Freeman was initially involved with SFW representing the Shetland Amenity Trust on the committee. Eileen is the Trust’s Place Names Project Officer so the dialect is an integral part of her daily working life.

Both are enthusiastic about SFW’s future plans to ensure that Shetland remains a lively spoken tongue throughout the community.

Report from Mary Blance

MSP Asks About the Use of Scots Language in Scottish Schools

Mon, 23 Jun 2008 05:55:00 +0100 GMT

Dr Bill Wilson, SNP MSP for the West of Scotland, has written to the education directors of all of Scotland’s cooncils to ask whether in-service days for teachers cover discrimination against Scots speakers, and/or the benefits of including the Scots language within the curriculum.

More information at: http://tinyurl.com/5ddjbf

Joyce Falconer is Centre's Scots voice

Mon, 23 Jun 2008 01:30:00 +0100 GMT

In the next few weeks visitors to the Scots Language Centre will be able to listen to, as well as read, the Scots words which are described in the Scots Word of the Week feature on the Centre's home page.

People imagining they recognise the voice won't all be wrong as it belongs to Joyce Falconer, the Aberdeen born actress who starred as plain speaking Roisin Henderson in BBC soap, River City.

Joyce has a long standing interest in Scots and used her own North East dialect in the BBC's hit show.

Along with the Scots word of the week, Joyce has recorded a number of her own poems for the Centre and these will feature on the site through the next year.

Word of the Week is produced in association with Scottish Language Dictionaries and the Herald.

Scots wedding for Colin and Fiona

Tue, 17 Jun 2008 10:46:00 +0100 GMT

Scots language activist, Colin Wilson, married Fiona Henderson at a civil wedding on Saturday held entirely in the North East dialect of Scots.

To read more about the ceremony and to see a photo of the happy couple visit the Press and Journal web site at

http://www.pressandjournal.co.

Network to Promote Linguistic Diversity launched in Brussels

Tue, 17 Jun 2008 08:06:00 +0100 GMT

On 11th June, the new Network to Promote Linguistic Diversity (NPLD) was launched in Brussels. The NPLD has been established to work for the promotion and development of Europe’s less widely used languages.

The new network comprises the language departments of member states and autonomous governments, language NGOs, universities and research centres, who will share best practice in language planning and development, and together provide a new powerful voice on linguistic issues.

The NPLD was established in December 2007 and is co-funded by the European Commission. NPLD members hail from a number of different countries, including Estonia, Wales, Scotland, Ireland, Fryslan, Brittany, Sweden, Catalonia, Slovenia and Hungary.

Find out more at http://www.npld.eu

Falkirk MSP urges support for Scots

Tue, 17 Jun 2008 01:26:00 +0100 GMT

Cathy Peattie, MSP for Falkirk East, has called on the Scottish Parliament to recognize the unsatisfactory disadvantage with which organisations working for the traditional arts and culture of Scotland have to labour. It is the contention of the Falkirk MSP that many organisations who work to promote the traditional culture of Scotland will lose staff and premises – and have to stop much of the work they do – after the Scottish Arts Council intimated that many would have their funding cut from March 2009. Cathy Peattie called on the Scottish Parliament to take particular notice of the situation of the Scots language, which, although now the subject of an audit into its provision, had little hope of support before next year comes. Peattie said that an organisition should be set up – separate from Creative Scotland – whose role would be to fund and support the Scots language (along with many other groups) and that, in the interim, steps should be taken to ensure support for Scots language bodies and other similar cultural and traditional organisations.

Ulster Scots set up speakers group

Wed, 04 Jun 2008 09:08:00 +0100 GMT

Scots speakers in Ballymoney, Northern Ireland have set up a group for people interested in speaking Scots. Charlie Reynolds from the group is reported to have said, "Some yins taak aboot it (Ulster Scots) - whereas we taak it!"

The full report can be read in the Ballymoney Times

http://www.ballymoneytimes.co.

MSP calls for national company

Thu, 29 May 2008 11:43:00 +0100 GMT

A Highland MSP has called for the establishment of a new ‘national company’ to co-ordinate strategy and funding for traditional arts organisations in the wake of Scottish Arts Council cuts. This week in an article in The Scotsman, Rob Gibson, SNP MSP for the Highlands and Islands, was critical of the strategic funding review begun by the Scottish Arts Council in 2006 which has led to the loss of flexible funding for 43 organisations, including the Scots Language Centre.

Mr Gibson was quite critical of the existing funding arrangements. He said that the late Scottish Executive had decided to give direct funding to those national arts companies which supported ballet, opera and national orchestras but that the traditional arts had been left with only “scant means”.

In his article Mr Gibson urged a fundamental rethink of the way in which Scotland’s traditional culture – whether language, music or dance – was supported and welcomed the government audit into the Scots language as a step in the right direction. Gibson argued that there was a need for a ‘national company’, which he described as the missing link in the chain, to co-ordinate promotion, education, information and advocacy of Scotland’s indigenous culture. After all, he concluded, if we don’t support the traditional culture ourselves, no one else will.

About Aberdeen

Tue, 27 May 2008 12:53:00 +0100 GMT

A website dedicated to Aberdeen has included a small but useful introduction to North East Scots – known as ‘e Doric to its speakers – and also to the first ‘Doric’ film to be made as well. In 2008 Mark Stirton released his film ‘One Day Removals’ about two useless removal men and most of the cast speak in North East Scots throughout. The website also gives a list of ‘Doric’ to English words, though most of the vocabulary given is, in fact, common to all forms of the Scots language. Any visitor who is interested in learning more should follow this link: http://www.aboutaberdeen.com/d

American accents for Scottish Rappers

Thu, 15 May 2008 12:50:00 +0100 GMT

Two Scottish rappers had to speak in American accents in order to get a music deal, the Sunday Mail reported this week. Dundee guys Billy Boyd and Gavin Bain – known as Silibil’n’Brains – discovered that whenever they phoned up companies and told them they were Scottish rappers, everyone found their Scottish accents a turn off. Instead the pair had to fake American accents – pretending they were Americans – in order to secure a music deal with Sony in 2003. For the next two years they had to pretend to be American and lived in Hollywood, making music, hanging out with the stars of the day, and attending the best parties. Sometimes they used to ‘pretend’ to speak in Scottish accents to amuse their friends and impersonated the likes of Billy Connolly. They even began to cringe when they heard other Scots speaking because they had been in disguise so long and become Americanised. However, it all got too much for them, and, in 2005, they split up, going back to their normal Scottish accents. Billy Boyd, who now lives back in Dundee, made the comment “I’ll just look back and say what a crazy thing to have done.” Sony declined to comment.

Kay calls on SNP to support Scots culture

Tue, 13 May 2008 09:38:00 +0100 GMT

Scots broadcaster and writer, Billy Kay, has urged the Scottish government to find ways to support Scots culture. In a letter to Culture Minister, Linda Fabiani, Kay, the author of Scots, the Mither Tongue describes his “shock” on hearing the news that the Scottish Arts Council is to cut funding to a range of institutions that support Lowland culture and language, including the Scots Language Centre. Kay says he believes it is “imperative that the Government comes out with a clear statement of intent to find ways of countering these decisions and give adequate support to the native language and culture.”

Kay’s intervention is the latest in a week that has seen a number of high profile MSPs, cultural commentators and activists tell the government that they need to find new ways to support Scots.

Audio gospels in Scots

Thu, 08 May 2008 02:43:00 +0100 GMT

The four gospels in Scots are now available as audio versions. Today Wild Goose Publications, in conjunction with the Lorimer Trust and Scots Language Centre, has put on sale a newly-produced audio version of the four gospels (Matthew, Mark, Luke and John) from W.L. Lorimer’s New Testament in Scots which was first published in book form in 1983. The gospels are read by Tom Fleming. Wild Goose Publications are making copies available as a special offer until 30 June 2008. Until that date customers will be able to purchase all four CDs as a set for £59.99 (with free p&p) or individual CDs at £15.99 each (plus £2.50 p&p). The usual price for an individual gospel will be £19.99. For more information please contact Wild Goose on 0141 332 6292 or e-mail lorna@ionabooks.com or follow this link to the website: http://www.ionabooks.com/newsi