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Nursery children islandwide will soon be able to tell a boeu from a brébis or a biche thanks to an initiative that will see every pre-schooler given a free Jèrriais Dictionary.
A new illustrated book containing more than 200 everyday Jèrriais words has been published by Macmillan as part of a collaboration between the Jèrriais Teaching Service and Soroptimist International Jersey.
'Man Preunmié Livre dé Mots en Jèrriais', or 'My First Jèrriais Word Book', will be distributed for free to more than 1,000 local children starting this week with students at St. John’s school.
Pictured: Nursey children at St John’s school, pictured with Jèrriais teacher Merry Bond, have received their books as part of the school’s week-long multicultural celebration.
The book is designed to encourage young children and their families to take an interest in Jèrriais.
Each Jèrriais word within is accompanied by a “child-friendly illustration, and in an appendix all words are listed in alphabetical order alongside a pronunciation guide.
Ben Spink is head of the Jèrriais Teaching Service. “This is our fourth Jèrriais book giveaway,” said Ben, “and I’m thrilled that we can offer nursery-aged children this wonderful book to inspire them at the beginning of their learning journeys in both Jèrriais and English.”
Pictured: Jean Gavey and Jean Dale, joint presidents of Soroptimists International Jersey, present children from St John’s nursery with their new Jèrriais books.
“We’re very grateful to Soroptimists for their generous sponsorship,” continued Ben.
Jean Dale, joint president of the Soroptimists, was “proud to support” the initiative that will “introduce young children to our island’s native language.”
Education Minister Deputy Scott Wickenden commented: “I’m delighted that our youngest learners will have access to a high-quality learning resource, thanks to this excellent initiative.
“Jèrriais is a precious asset for Jersey and books like this will encourage children to become the speakers of the future.”
Learn some Jèrriais words about farming with this sneak peek at the book...
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