People in Guernsey are being offered free taster sessions in the island’s native language, Guernésiais, this weekend.
A two-hour session for beginners will take place from 10:30 at Torteval Parish Hall on Saturday 10 January, with a “post beginner” session for people with some knowledge of the language on Sunday at the same time.
Teacher and translator Yan Marquis said people could expect a “fun and engaging” experience covering topics like greetings, where you live and the weather.
Mr Marquis said the session would focus on speaking Guernésiais and could be enjoyed by people – like him – who “didn’t get on with languages at school”.
“You learn a language by opening your mouth,” he said.
He said people who learned the language often had a better understanding of place names and family names, adding: “It gives you a sense of belonging.”
Prof Julia Sallabank, from SOAS University of London, is teaching the course with Mr Marquis, as well as working with him to develop a series of more in-depth courses.
She said learning the language gave her a “warm fuzzy feeling inside me that connected me to Guernsey”.
Prof Sallabank said learning languages could have added benefits, such as helping delay the onset of dementia and related conditions.
As well as the free taster sessions, which are being sponsored by the Guernsey Language Commission, Mr Marquis will be running a longer course for anyone wanting to learn more.
The six-lesson course, supported by Guernsey Museums, will start in February and costs £25 in total, or £20 for Discovery Pass holders. The course can be attended in person on Tuesday lunchtimes or virtually on Tuesday mornings or evenings.
Anyone interested in attending either the taster sessions or the course can email Yan Marquis on janmarquis@suremail.gg.
What is Guernésiais?
Guernsey’s native language, which is also known as Patois or Guernsey French, is a dialect of Norman French and has been spoken on the island since the middle ages.
It is classed as an “endangered” language, with fewer than 100 native speakers in 2023, according to the Guernsey Language Commission, with most being elderly.
It is related to the native languages of Sark and Jersey (Sercquiais and Jèrriais) as well as Alderney’s now-extinct language, Auregnais.
Prof Sallabank said it was important to encourage younger adults to learn the language before the last native speakers died.
How much do you already know?
Many people who’ve lived in Guernsey or visited will have heard common phrases like a la perchoine (a la per-shoy-n) – meaning “until next time” or “goodbye” – or banjour (ban-jaw) – “good day” or “hello”.
But what are some other simple words and phrases?
- a la perchoine (a la per-shoy-n) – “until next time” or “goodbye”
- banjour (ban-jaw) – “good day” or “hello”
- warro (rhymes with barrow) – “hi”
- gâche (gosh) – “cake” (any cake)
- âne (arn) – “donkey”
- coum tchi qu’l’affaire va? (kom chick la fare va?) – “how are you?”
- Enn amas bian merci, et te? (enema bee-anne merci, eh tey?) – “I’m good thank you, and you?”