Scots Language Makeover for Loved Literature
In celebration of Scotland’s Year of Stories 2022, Visit Scotland has teamed up with Scots expert and writer Alistair Heather to translate the first lines of some of the world’s most popular books
Article Source: Visit Scotland
First Published: 27 June 2022 10:02
Updated: 27 June 2022 10:03
SCOTS LANGUAGE MAKEOVER FOR LOVED LITERATURE
VisitScotland is celebrating the Year of Stories, which celebrates the wealth of stories inspired by, written or created in Scotland. In this Year of Stories, VisitScotland has taken iconic books inspired by Scotland or written in Scotland and translated the first lines into Scots - one of Scotland's vibrant languages.
The national tourism organisation has teamed up with Scots expert and writer Alistair Heather to translate the first lines of some of the world's most acclaimed books. Including Shuggie Bain by Douglas Stuart, Dracula by Bram Stoker, Nineteen Eighty-Four by George Orwell, Outlander by Diana Gabaldon, Peter Pan by JM Barrie, and Harry Potter & the Chamber of Secrets by JK Rowling.
From icons of literature to local tales, Scotland's Year of Stories encourages locals and visitors to experience a diversity of voices and explore the cultures connected to all forms of Scottish stories.
The project is titled ‘Braw Beginnings’, and hosted on VisitScotland.com, the translations focus on novels with existing Scottish ties, whether the authors drew inspiration for their works in the country, lived in Scotland or perhaps, are Scottish themselves. VisitScotland’s designers have also reimagined what a scene from each book might look like – a sound clip of the Scots translation can be listened to on the website.
There’s far more to the Scots language than “aye’s”, “naw’s”, and “dinnae kens”. In fact, not only is Scots the most widely spoken indigenous language in Scotland, but it is also the last minority language in the UK, with speakers of 1.5 million (according to the 2011 Scottish Census) despite not being standardised. That’s over a quarter of the Scottish population. Another 267,000 people said they ‘could understand Scots but not read, write or speak the language’.
‘Braw Beginnings’ offers the world a taste of Scots, and uses literature to show the verve and passion of a language spoken across Scotland and beyond. Several well-known novels have previously been fully translated in Scots including The Gruffalo by Julia Donaldson and Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone by JK Rowling, showing how the language could have a wider appeal beyond Scotland’s borders.
Inspiration for the project came from Scottish Twitter, which has acquired the attention of users worldwide due to its quick wit and to-the-point storytelling. It’s been argued that Twitter is partially responsible for the revival of the Scots language in the 21st century, allowing Scots to become a widespread written language once again.
Alistair Heather said (in Scots): “This project is fun. It gies us a fresh way of looking at the literature we ken well. And it gies us a chance tae enjoy wir Scots tongue in a new environment. It’s a re-exploration.
“We’ve a lot to be proud of here. Two things I love introducing visitors and newcomers to Scotland to are our literature and the joy of the Scots language. This project emphasises both. Hopefully folk enjoy it and enjoy discovering how much great writing has Scottish connections!”
“A love of literature and a complex multilingualism has marked oot Scotland for centuries. In the thoosan years since we’ve existed, the language o state has been Gaelic, Scots, then English. Aw three contribute to wir history, wir present and wir literature.
“As mair an mair o the world’s classic literature finds its wey intae Scots (Animal Farm will soon be oot in Scots, tae join titles like Harry Potter, O Mice and Men, the Odyssey) it’s right that we celebrate baith the great books that’ve been produced in Scotland, and ane o the languages its produced in.”
Marie Christie, VisitScotland Head of Events Development, said: “Scots is an important part of our history and culture with rich oral traditions still very much alive in song, drama and storytelling.
“This project sees some of the world’s best-known books with Scottish links translated into Scots as a way to showcase the language to an even wider audience. We hope it will encourage visitors to try speaking some Scots and find out more about the language when holidaying here, especially during Scotland’s Year of Stories.
“Scots and the country’s other languages are all part of our unique culture which can only truly be experienced in Scotland, strengthening the experience we know means so much to visitors.”
The full list of translations can be found https://www.visitscotland.com/blog/culture/scots-language-braw-beginnings
Latest Glasgow News
Green Space Dark Skies announces Ben Nevis as Scottish location in Finale Event
On Saturday 10 September, Ben Nevis in the Glen Coe National Scenic Area (NSA) will provide the backdrop to the last Scottish Green Space Dark Skies outdoor artworks.
Finalists Revealed for The Scottish Bar & Pub Awards 2022
Over 75 leading finalists have been revealed today for The Scottish Bar & Pub Awards 2022.
Family entertainment favourites Funbox say farewell with final Glasgow show
After seven years of putting smiles on the faces of adults and children alike, family entertainment favourites Funbox have announced their final show at The Glasgow Royal Concert Hall.
Brilliant listener numbers in latest result for Clyde 1 and Clyde 2
Clyde 1 and Clyde 2 have seen listener figures continue to grow with a fantastic set of results in the latest RAJAR figures.
Glasgow Clyde College read minds to find perfect course for new students
With Scottish students receiving their exam results next week, Glasgow Clyde College aims to help those who aren't sure about what's next.
Green Space Dark Skies: The team of artists working with local communities to bring events to life
Green Space Dark Skies, produced by Walk the Plank and commissioned by UNBOXED: Creativity in the UK, has revealed the artists who will bring Scotland's August events to life!
Conifox Adventure Park officially breaks world record for the Longest Inflatable Assault Course
Conifox Adventure Park has today confirmed that they have officially broken a world record for the longest inflatable assault course which sits at a mammoth 568 metres.
PATRON Partners with Kelvingrove Cafe to Celebrate Paloma Month
Leading cocktail bar and brasserie Kelvingrove Café has launched a new menu dedicated to refreshing Paloma cocktails and an exclusive party to mark PATRÓN Paloma Month.
Irn Bru launches Sunshine Service
From the Costa Del Leith to the Clyde Riviera, IRN-BRU is set to deliver deckchairs and ice-cold cans to Scottish sun-seekers!
Isle of Arran Music School Pipe Band tune up for a set of firsts!
The Isle of Arran Music School Pipe Band is making its way to Glasgow this August to tune up for a week full of firsts for the young band.
Glasgow Life seeks views on reopening more community venues across the city
Previous let and leaseholders, local organisations and the public are being asked about their current and future needs to allow Glasgow Life to present options for reopening more community venues.
Merchant City Festival celebrates 2022 success
The iconic Merchant City Festival has drawn to a close after an incredible weekend of entertainment.
The South, featuring members of The Beautiful South, bring their 2022 tour to Scotland in September
Celebrating the Beautiful South legacy and great songs of their own, The South will bring their 2022 tour to Glasgow and Glenrothes in September!
Clyde 1 to host a Live & Up Close homecoming gig for Tom Walker thanks to Radisson RED Glasgow
Tom Walker, is set to perform an exclusive, 'Live & Up Close' gig for a lucky Clyde 1 audience, as part of an exciting partnership between Clyde 1 and Radisson RED, Glasgow.
Lifelike T Rex takes to the streets of Glasgow to launch Dinosaur World Live
A lifelike T-Rex showed its appreciation for Glasgow by donning the unofficial symbol of the city in the form of a traffic cone during a visit to the city!
An online one stop shop for Glasgow tourists goes live
City Sightseeing Glasgow has launched an online marketplace offering a range of Glasgow experience packages making it easier for visitors to enjoy the best the city has to offer!
CASK in the glory of Glasgow with the Summer Beer Festival at ALDI
Aldi Scotland is offering beer lovers the chance to taste Glasgow Beer Works' exclusive new flavours in Aldi Scotland's 27th annual Summer Beer Festival.
EH1 Festival set to take over VEGA for official launch party
EH1 is set to take over VEGA Glasgow with an official launch party, bringing together DJs from Scotland’s most popular club nights including Glitterbox, PRTY and EVOLATION!
The National Youth Pipe Band of Scotland celebrates 20 years
The National Youth Pipe Band of Scotland (NYPBS) is set to celebrate its 20th year with a special performance at Piping Live! 2022.
A wizard way to raise funds for hospital charity
It's a kinda magic the way Braehead shopping centre plans to raise money for Glasgow Children's Hospital charity!
Grammy nominated singer and former Pussycat Doll Melody Thornton will star in smash hit musical when it comes to Glasgow
The King's Theatre, Glasgow is delighted to announce that the award-winning international smash hit musical The Bodyguard will star American singer-songwriter Melody Thornton as Rachel Marron!
Music discovery festival Tenement Trail is back for 2022!
Vistas, Baby Queen and over 30 artists announced to play across 12 hours in Glasgow's much-loved live music venues including The Barrowlands and Saint Luke's on 8th October!
XSite Braehead encourages visitors to get arty for charity
XSite Braehead, Scotland's leading entertainment destination, is encouraging visitors to unleash their inner artist this weekend in a bid to raise funds for Glasgow's Children Hospital Charity.
BBC stars to appear at huge summer weekend of wrestling
Scotland's answer to WWE, Insane Championship Wrestling, brings its annual summer weekender of hard-hitting, high-flying action to Glasgow's O2 Academy on Friday 29th and Saturday 30th July!
Just over 24 hours left to submit your Scottish Album of the Year
Fans, artists and music labels have just over 24 hours left to submit their favourite Scottish album from the past year for this year's SAY Award.
The Gin and Rum Festival returns to Glasgow
The Gin and Rum Festival is returning to Glasgow on Friday 12th & Saturday 13th August at The Briggait, offering a unique experience that celebrates the best of Gin & Rum!
New cafe launches in Barras Market from the team behind The Gate
A new cafe dedicated to morning rolls is launching in the iconic Barras Market this weekend!
Birthday twins with VEGA... drinks are on them!
Anyone who shares their birthday with VEGA this weekend will receive a free cocktail as the venue celebrates welcoming over 100,000 guests in its first year!
Glasgow Science Centre celebrates 21st Birthday with a BANG!
Glasgow Science Centre celebrates its 21st birthday with a BANG and welcomes people of all ages to join them for a Summer Birthday Party on 22nd July!
Celebrate centuries of lost Scottish history: Clan Buchanan Chief Inauguration
Be part of an unmissable moment in Scottish history as one of Scotland’s most ancient clans reunites for the inauguration of the first Buchanan Clan Chief for over 340 years.
Sponsored Links
