Vanishing fisherfolk dialect gets its own dictionary

Published: 05 May, 2009

A DICTIONARY of words and phrases from Cromarty's fisherfolk dialect was published on Saturday, providing a written record of what has been described as one of Scotland's most threatened dialects.

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The booklet was compiled over two years by researcher Janine Donald of Am Baile, an online cultural archive, with assistance from Bobby Hogg (89) and brother Gordon (82), thought to be the last fluent speakers.

A story about the brothers which featured in The Inverness Courier in February 2007 prompted experts from Am Baile to preserve the dialect, which evolved from language used by English soldiers based in the area during the 17th and 18th centuries, including the adoption of formal words such as 'thee' and 'thine'.

Dr Robin Millar, a linguistics expert at Aberdeen University, has described the dialect as the most threatened in Scotland, and one of five different dialects once found in the area.

Councillor Bill Fernie, chairman of Highland Council's education, culture and sport committee, welcomed the booklet's publication.

"The work by Am Baile to record the Cromarty fisherfolk dialect is invaluable to the social history of the Cromarty area and indeed for those with a wider interest in roots of language," he said.

Cromarty historian and local councillor David Alston added: "The dialect was part of a way of life which has now gone. We cannot bring it back but it is important that we record it as fully as possible."

Copies of the booklet are available from Cromarty library and courthouse, or by contacting Am Baile on 01463 251274.

Examples of the Cromarty fisherfolk dialect:

"At now kucka?" – Friendly greeting.

"Tumblers" – Dolphins or harbour porpoises.

"Pit oot thy fire til I light mine" – Be quiet, and allow me to say something.

"Thee're no talkin' licht" – You are quite right.