New Scots language and literacy programme launched in Lanarkshire

Jan 7 2010 by Sandra Walls, Hamilton Advertiser

THE Hamilton and Clydesdale Community Learning Service this week launched a new project for adult learners focusing on the Scots language.

The course will look at vocabulary, grammar and pronunciation and help those taking part improve their literacy and discover the Scots language’s rich linguistic roots.

A spokesman for Community Learning said: “It’s not so long ago that Scottish dominies (teachers) were encouraged to leather the Scots out of school weans in the 1970s.

“Despite this, Scots survives with words and phrases like skelf, bidie-in and stookie still well used.”

Community Learning help adults who wish to improve their literacy and numeracy skills. They also run classes to help people from other countries speak and write English.

If you would like to find out more about any of the courses, including the Scots language courses, call 01698 452154.

l Here’s a chance to test your knowledge of Scots. You’ll find the answers to the following multiple choice questions at the end of the article

1 - A ‘high heid yin’ is a:

a, an egghead; b, a glaikit waster; c, a boss, or d, a tall, skinny person.

2 - ‘Lang may yer lum reek’ means: a, what’s that smell mum? b, a long plank; c, is that lump on your head sore? or d, may your house be always warm and cosy.

3 - Dreich means: a, a town in West Lothian; b, an ancient believer in pagan rituals; c, to jump backwards off a wall, or d, gloomy, grey and tedious.

4. Haud yer wheesht means: a, don’t touch; b, shut up; c, you’ll have had your tea, or d, open your parachute.

Answers: 1c, 2d, 3d, 4b.