Children are getting their first taste of the Manx language with a new book. ’A Manx Alphabet’ is designed to engage young children looking at their first books, while giving them a taste of Manx.
The
Culture Vannin book’s full-page illustrations begin with ’arran’
(bread), ’bainney’ (milk) and ’clag’ (clock) and move through to V, W
and Y. The Manx alphabet does not feature X and Z. The choice of words was made on the advice of the Bunscoill Ghaelgagh and others, with children and non-Manx-speaking adults in mind.
The idea of the book came from Vicky Webb, who has illustrated the book in images reminiscent of Eric Carle’s ’The Hungry Caterpillar.’
Having given birth to her daughter, Evelyn, earlier in the year, Vicky wanted something ’true to the Isle of Man’ to read with her. She said: ’I wanted something that would help Evelyn grow up with a sense of place in her life, of living in the Isle of Man, which is a special place unlike anywhere else in the world. Language is a key part of that.’
Although only an early learner of the language, Vicky feels that the Manx language was an important part of the Isle of Man and being Manx. The book comes with a full pronunciation guide and translation for all the terms.
James Franklin, online and educational resources officer at Culture Vannin, said: ’The island’s language has an enormously positive attraction to visitors to the Isle of Man and to so many of us who live here. We hope that this book will give people a way to bring the language into their everyday lives.’ The book is priced at £5. It is available from a number of shops including from Culture Vannin’s own shop in St John’s.
