Information Bulletin
Shetland Dialect in Schools
The use of Shetland dialect in Education is currently receiving a boost from a number of projects being rolled out by the Schools Service.
A new resource pack, known as the Dialect Ditty Box was launched in October 2007 to support and encourage the use of dialect within pre-school education. This resource has been very well received and commended by nursery staff. This has acted as a precursor for further dialect projects within the Schools Service.
Over ten schools are taking part in a project entitled ‘Play in a Box’ funded by Creative Links. The aim of Play in a Box is to provide schools with a drama resource pack, and to provide teachers with the opportunity and support to undertake a dialect play. Two plays written by Marsali Taylor were identified and prepared for the project including ‘Da Ketling, da Fox an da Muckle Rat’ for primary and ‘Suspeecion’ for secondary.
Teacher’s notes, CD’s, class notes and costumes are included in the package on offer to schools. Workshops led by Marsali Taylor are also available to supplement the packs. The workshops offer a great chance for teachers and pupils to learn new drama skills and build up confidence as well as giving the opportunity and encouragement to speak in Shetland dialect.
Another venture, funded by Youth Music Initiative, has allowed a number of schools to take part in dialect singing. Maria Barclay Millar has visited a number of schools including Nesting, Dunrossness, Yell, Whiteness, Sandwick, and Cunningsburgh. Maria has recorded a CD of Shetland songs with an accompanying resource folder, this will be distributed to all schools next term.
Pupils from Sandwick Primary performed ‘Da Ketling, da Fox an da Muckle Rat’, sang in dialect and listened to the Lord’s Prayer in Shetland dialect, translated by Christine De Luca to celebrate the dialect at a recent school assembly.
School staff said that the pupils had enjoyed learning more about the richness of the Shetland dialect and it’s importance to Shetland’s cultural identity. Pupils and staff were delighted with the performances to the public and in school and are looking forward to taking part in more activities next term.
For more information contact Frances Tait at frances.tait@shetland.gov.uk, or call 01595 744941 or Maria Millar at maria.millar@shetland.gov.uk or call 01595 744062.
Ends