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Jèrriais is now live on an online language learning platform which is used by hundreds of thousands of schools worldwide.
The Jersey language is now included in the Linguascope.com's Beginner section, which targets eight to 14-year-olds, and includes topics such as colours, animals, food, family and sport.
Former Victoria College student Atticus Mawby, who is currently studying languages at Durham University, provided the voice for the Jèrriais section on Linguascope.
21-year-old Mr Mawby, who is a Jèrriais speaker having learnt it through study and conversing with native speakers, said: “I was honoured to be asked to record the words and phrases for Linguascope.
“Jèrriais distinguishes us from the rest of the British Isles and it would be tragic if it was lost: we would be losing a connection with ourselves. But it is not just about patriotism: the language is fascinating in itself, with some very unusual turns of phrase."
CLICK TO PLAY: Learn some Jèrriais words on the new Linguascope page.
There at 55 topics in the Linguacope Beginner section with 10 words or short phases in each. Mr Mawby then recorded them, having worked alongside a native speaker to get his pronunciation correct.
The Jèrriais Teaching Service offers free annual subscriptions to all Jersey schools, so students and staff can access all the languages available on the website and app.
Head of the Jèrriais Teaching Service, Ben Spink, said: “We are thrilled to have high-quality, engaging, interactive digital Jèrriais resources for younger learners and we are excited to let schools know that this opportunity is available.”
Education Minister Deputy Scott Wickenden added: “It is excellent that our island language is being recognised worldwide. It is important for our heritage that Jèrriais is passed down from generation to generation and I very much welcome this news.”
The project has been supported by Le Don Balleine Incorporated Association and the Jersey Community Foundation with funds from the Channel Islands Lottery.
Pictured top: Atticus Mawby, recording the Jèrriais phrases. (Alex Watson)
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