About Guernesiais

Guernsey French or Patois as it is know locally continues to be spoken by a fair number of older islanders but there appears to be a lack of speakers from the younger generation.

There are fears the language may die out in the future unless something is done.

How did people learn the language?

It was simply that as both parents spoke the language their offspring would naturally have learnt it in tandem with any English or French being spoken in the family.

What happened?

Some point an accusing finger at the evacuation for causing the decline, but as more than half the evacuees returned, this can not account for the large drop in numbers of Guernsey French speakers.

With so many people coming into the Island and leaving, there are no longer families with two patois speaking parents passing on the language.

What can be done?

The Guernsey French for Beginners course has been running for years under the tireless tuition of Harry Tomlinson.

But there are no time-tabled lessons in schools, unlike Jersey where Jerriais (the Jersey version) is taught.

The blame can not lie solely with the Education Authorities as there are few written teaching materials available. Meaning the best intentions are scuppered.

What would you like to see done about the decline in the number of Guernsey French speakers.