Commission to save Guernsey French is 'last chance saloon'

A NEW commission to promote Guernesiais is the 'last chance saloon' to get it right, islanders who have worked to protect the language have said.

The Guernsey Language Commission was launched a few weeks ago and L'Assembllaie d'Guernesiaise president Fred Gallion thought it was a good idea, as if the island's unique language was lost then Guernsey could become just like 'any old place'. 'There is a lot of enthusiasm. Culture and Leisure is putting in a lot of work so clearly it does not think it is time or money wasted.

'There is no reason why it cannot be done. This was needed 20 or 30 years ago. The point of getting it done now is to retain the pronunciation.'

He explained the commission would run into opposition, but the recent reprinting and selling of 500 copies of a Guernesiais dictionary shows the interest is there.

Former States language officer Jan Marquis, 44, (pictured) said the commission is the 'best chance ever' of saving the language. 'The first 12 months will be a challenge, but the team seem to be dynamic so they stand a good chance.