New stamp set celebrates Jersey's traditional language

Tuesday 08 October 2024

The second part of a stamp series celebrating Jersey's native language has been revealed by Jersey Post.

Six new stamps depicting recognisable Jèrriais phrases have been illustrated by local artist Ron Mills – who also created the first set of Jèrriais-themed stamps in 2022.

Pictured: The second series of stamps aim to celebrate Jersey's native language.

Each stamp features the phonetic pronunciations of a Jèrriais phrase and its translations in English.

The featured words are:

• Bouan Viage - ‘good voyage’ 
• Un baté pêtcheux - 'fishing boat'
• Un pithot coêffi - 'a goose wearing a headress' or 'a bit hoity toity'
• Un mouc á mie - 'honey fly (or bee)'
• Un crapaud - ' a toad'
• Eune tchéthue - 'to plough'

The stamp issue also includes a miniature sheet which shows a woman holding up her petticoat.

It was inspired by the St Helier street name La Rue Trousse Cotillon, which literally translates to 'holding up petticoats road'.

Pictured: Some traditional Jèrriais road names were named to remind islanders about what to expect when travelling down them.

The new Jèrriais stamp set is available from the Jersey Post offices at Broad Street and Rue Des Pres, or can be ordered online or by contacting the Jersey Philatelic Bureau on 01534 616717.

Local cultural charity Société Jersiaise hold various events and courses to allow islanders to learn more about Jersey's native language.

More details can be found HERE.