Jèrriais pop-folk band Badlabecques has launched a new single created as part of an upcoming documentary about Jersey’s native language.
“Hauchons (We Rise)” is now available to stream and also features in a new documentary, À Betot? Goodbye?, which will premiere on 23 May as part of the 13th Parish Jersey International Film Festival.
The project was commissioned by Ben Spink of L’Office du Jèrriais, and explores the future of Jèrriais at a time of both concern and revival for the language.
It follows the language’s decline and contemporary revival efforts, highlighting both elder native speakers and a new generation of learners.
The film was produced by Ben, alongside co-directors Anngina and Tom Kennedy of Little River Pictures.
Ben said: “This beautiful song perfectly encapsulates the message of our documentary film, which is one of hope and optimism for the future of Jèrriais, whilst honouring the last generation for whom it was a first language.”
He added: “I very much hope that the song and film will remind people that Jèrriais is a precious inheritance and an invaluable cultural asset for Jersey.”
The song features a mix of English and Jèrriais, and draws on Jersey’s extreme tidal range as a metaphor for cultural and linguistic renewal.
Kit said the track was written to reflect optimism about the language’s future.
“We wanted to make something hopeful and anthemic, and I was struck by the idea that the lowest ebb is the turn of the tide,” he explained.
“Our precious and unique Jersey language and culture has been oppressed and dismissed for well over a century, and the last few hundred native Jèrriais speakers are ageing into the twilight of their lives.
“But rather than let Jèrriais slip away, we now have a revitalisation movement made up of thousands of learners, and a thriving community of committed and creative language activists.
“I believe that Jèrriais can benefit our whole island, as something everybody can share and enjoy regardless of background, so I hope we will all rise with this growing tide.”
Kit explained that his own children are growing up exposed to the language from birth, describing them as “new native speakers of sorts”.
The single’s lyric video, which is available to watch on YouTube, features Super 8 footage shot by Kit’s late father Ron Hanby, who passed away in 2021, leaving his collection of films.
The archive includes scenes filmed at sea during Ron’s time as a fisherman, alongside Jersey coastline footage and locations including Grève de Lecq, Rozel, and Saint Helier, as well as driving footage through King Street.
A personal highlight in the video shows Kit’s mother Jenny Doran, then aged 21, smiling on film.
“This amazing time-capsule fitted the song perfectly,” Kit added.
