SOAS Research Online

Abstract

The indigenous language of Guernsey is not standardized, and has no official orthography. It is highly endangered, but there is a significant increase in demand for written Giernesiei. Examination of writing practices reveals a wide range of spellings, and inconsistencies between rhetoric and practices. Some speakers and learners, influenced by diglossic notions of ‘correctness’ and prestige, favour French-style spellings for Guernesiais; but most islanders are literate in English only. Language activists may focus on differentiation from dominant or related languages. Learners, meanwhile, may benefit from a systematic, transparent, practical spelling which recognizes the lack of ease of typing accents on English-style keyboards. The resolution of such tensions does not depend on impartial assessment of which orthography is the most efficient, but on community dynamics which may be fluid and not immediately obvious. Given that the future of Dgernesiais rests with learners, it is important to develop an orthography which is useful for learners and teachers, yet acceptable to the remaining native speakers.