About 200 islanders visited St Martin’s Community Centre during Saturday afternoon to find out more about the island’s native language.
As well as stalls and refreshments, speakers gave updates on the work undertaken by the commission, mixed in with some fun interactive sessions materials from the ‘Let’s Play’ programme which has been introducing Guernesiais into primary schools, including how to play rock, paper, scissors in the language.
There was also a chance to try out the new adult Guernesiais course that the commission is currently developing.
The commissioner for raising awareness, Joy Liggett, has been with the organisation since its launch in 2022.
‘We see the language being used more now,’ she said.
‘We have youngsters picking it up in schools with Let’s Play and now we have more adults starting to learn the basics through the new course.
‘The big thing this year is the launch of our endorsement scheme to give recognition to those using the language, from businesses to schools to churches,’ she said. ‘This endorsement allows them to use our special logo and slogan - “Nou-z est pour l’Guernesiais” – We are for Guernesiais.’
As part of the afternoon the commission gave out certificates to a number of local firms.
Among them were Meredith and Nicky Jee from Jill Vaudin Publishing.
‘We started introducing Guernesiais to our products last year,’ said Nicky Jee.
‘Obviously as a business we try to embrace the island’s heritage.’
Among the products the company has launched is a calendar with days and months in Guernesiais and a range of sweets with phrases and translations on the side, which are being sold on Brittany Ferries vessels.
‘The commission has helped us with the translations,’ said Meredith. ‘I’m not a Guernesiais speaker myself, but in the past 12 months I’ve certainly picked up a few words.’
Christopher Dye, the commission’s interim chairman said they were still searching for a both a new chair and another commissioner.
‘The most important requirement is an enthusiasm and passion for the language,’ he said.
‘Ideally it would be someone with ideas and energy, and we would love to hear from anyone who wants to learn more.’
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