Children enjoy hearing the Gruffalo in Guernesiais
FAMILIAR children’s stories were read with a once familiar twist at Guille-Alles Library on Saturday.
Chris Dye read a Guernesiais translation of The Gruffalo and gave a sneak peak of the unpublished Room on the Broom.
Children were given soft toys to match characters in the Gruffalo, and were taught the names of each in Guernsey-French.
‘These sessions are for the people on the island who haven’t heard the language before – in particular children, because whatever they learn now they will likely have it for life,’ said Mr Dye, storyteller and Island Language volunteer. ‘Hearing it spoken is a reminder that Guernesiais is a living language, people still speak and write it.’
Hailing from Canada, Mr Dye was taught Canadian French at school.
‘When I came here I thought that people would be learning their native language. We have been running learning sessions at schools, and making videos and songs in Guernesiais.’
The island language has been in decline for much of the past century, particularly after the evacuation.
‘There was a time in the 50s and 60s where the language just wasn’t taught to children any more. I think people regret it, it wasn’t the fashion then but is something we wish we still had now.’
Jenny Elliott-Bennett, tutor, said: ‘I’m glad we heard it. It’s so soothing to hear.’
‘This little boy, Charlie, speaks English and Russian and is interested in hearing the languages of different countries.
Charlie had the mouse and was repeating the word for mouse.’
Charlie Tee, 4, said: ‘I like to hear the Guernsey language.’
Extra copies of the books were available to read from.
Ewan Frolich attended with his parents, and said: ‘I know it’s probably more for kids but I’ve never heard Guernsey-French spoken before.
‘At first it sounded like Celtic, but now having seen the words on the page I can see how it resembles French.’
Island Language volunteer Bethan Batiste has been learning the language for a year.
‘It’s always been important to me because my grandma speaks it,’ she said.
‘I’ll be starting three Tuesday sessions here at the library and have done some readings in schools.’
Pre-schooler pilot classes, named Warro Les Ormis or Hello Friends, commence today from 11am until 11.30am in the Children’s Library with stories, songs and activities.
n Email: childrens@library.gg for questions or to book a free place at Warro Les Ormis.
