Scottish Question...

imagegod · Feb 23, 2007

I'm editing a novel that takes place in Scotland...anyone know what the Scots speak (or spoke) when it's not/when it wasn't English?
(PS: I started reading a novel from one of the Scots on this forum...so far it's VERY good! Something about overthrowing the government...keep up the good work!).

scarletpeaches · Feb 23, 2007

I am Scottish and we speak English. Always have done.

Unless it was centuries ago, or up in the islands in which case it might be Gaelic, but that's dying out. Most people speak English.

MRutan · Feb 23, 2007

There were/are a lot of Scots who speak Gaelic. I found a site that allows you to translate from English to Scots Gaelic. It really helps. I've been working on a book that takes place in Scotland too.

Let me know if you'd like the link.

MRutan.

scarletpeaches · Feb 23, 2007

The novel might be set in Scotland but WHERE in Scotland? There are dialect variations, differences in accent, even in language; like I said, Gaelic might be spoken in the islands but it's dying out in the lowlands.

And WHEN is this novel set?

PM me if you like.

imagegod · Feb 23, 2007

MRutan said:
There were/are a lot of Scots who speak Gaelic. I found a site that allows you to translate from English to Scots Gaelic. It really helps. I've been working on a book that takes place in Scotland too.

Let me know if you'd like the link.

MRutan.

Oh yes, absolutely...that would be wonderful. If you could post it here in the forum I'd be very greatful...

Thanks!

imagegod · Feb 23, 2007

scarletpeaches said:
The novel might be set in Scotland but WHERE in Scotland? There are dialect variations, differences in accent, even in language; like I said, Gaelic might be spoken in the islands but it's dying out in the lowlands.

And WHEN is this novel set?

PM me if you like.

Thanks for the reply...I'm a huge Anglo-phile. Just speaking to someone from Scotland gives me a thrill (so much so, that I'll bet you CAN smell my brains!)
The novel covers two generations from WWII up to the 70's...as far as where, I'm keeping that under wraps, lassy. But thanks for asking...I just need a couple words of Gaelic.

MRutan · Feb 23, 2007

http://www.scots-online.org/reader/index.htm

Then click on the link in the middle that say "The online Scots Dictionary". I've done a lot of reseach on this so I might be able to help with some. Don't hesitate me e-mail. I'll do what I can.

MRutan

scarletpeaches · Feb 23, 2007

Um...'anglophile' refers to someone who loves all things English.

And that's a different country.

imagegod · Feb 23, 2007

scarletpeaches said:
Um...'anglophile' refers to someone who loves all things English.

And that's a different country.

Sorry, I love all things...English/Scottish/Irish/Welsh...I imagine there's a word to cover that...couldn't tell you what it is.

No offense intended (quite the contrary in fact!)

imagegod · Feb 23, 2007

MRutan said:
http://www.scots-online.org/reader/index.htm

Then click on the link in the middle that say "The online Scots Dictionary". I've done a lot of reseach on this so I might be able to help with some. Don't hesitate me e-mail. I'll do what I can.

MRutan

Thanks a million...that's precisely what I was looking for!

Cath · Feb 23, 2007

If you're setting a book in that era, why not check out some Scottish novels from that era. It might give you some insight into the country and the background around then.

The Cone Gatherers by Robin Jenkins is a great one.

scarletpeaches · Feb 23, 2007

Britain consists of England, Scotland, Wales but the UK is actually England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland. It can be quite confusing or 'outsiders' might not see the difference.

Anyway. Online dictionaries can help, but if you want to PM or email a bona fide Scottish lass then feel free. Sometimes a listening ear from someone who lives there can lend authenticity to your work.

Having said that, I don't speak a word of Gaelic so I might not be any help!

But if you want to know about Scottish slang/ dialect/ profanities, etc, I'm your woman!

imagegod · Feb 23, 2007

Cath said:
If you're setting a book in that time period, why not check out some Scottish novels from that era. It might give you some insight into the country and the background around that time period.

The Cone Gatherers by Robin Jenkins is a great one.

Great!...thanks a ton!

Jenan Mac · Feb 23, 2007

The only Gaelic I ever learned was "shut up" and profanity. Says a lot about my grandmother, doesn't it?

imagegod · Feb 23, 2007

scarletpeaches said:
Britain consists of England, Scotland, Wales but the UK is actually England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland. It can be quite confusing or 'outsiders' might not see the difference.

Yes, and I'm easily confused!

The closest I've come to the UK is the 'Greetings Programme' on the BBC.com. But I love it like my own...I really do. And someday I'll get there. The UK calls to me like a siren song.

scarletpeaches said:
Anyway. Online dictionaries can help, but if you want to PM or email a bona fide Scottish lass then feel free. Sometimes a listening ear from someone who lives there can lend authenticity to your work.
But if you want to know about Scottish slang/ dialect/ profanities, etc, I'm your woman!

Thanks so much...you're most kind. And the offer is most appreciated!
Perhaps I will...

scarletpeaches · Feb 23, 2007

If you think of Britain as the island = that consists of England, Wales, Scotland as I said, but:

UK stands for United Kingdom, which is a bit more than that; Britain with Northern Ireland added on.

Anyway, I'll be pootling off to get some sleep soon, but you know where I am if you want to PM me; I can educate you in Scottish dialect and slang if you want.

Night all!

kborsden · Feb 23, 2007

Why doesnt anyone ever want to write anything about the Welsh?
Ever since Braveheart it's been 'Scottish this' and 'Scottish that'.
Bleeding Mel Gibson.

scarletpeaches · Feb 23, 2007

Yeah! A three feet high Aussie playing a 10 feet 7 Scot! BAH!

blacbird · Feb 23, 2007

scarletpeaches said:
I am Scottish and we speak English. Always have done.

Well . . . within a broad definition. I lived in Glasgow for a wee time.

caw

Soccer Mom · Feb 23, 2007

kborsden said:
Why doesnt anyone ever want to write anything about the Welsh?
Ever since Braveheart it's been 'Scottish this' and 'Scottish that'.
Bleeding Mel Gibson.

Have no fear. I intend to write a middle grade novel set in Wales in roughly 1292.

I adore Wales and castles.

M. K. McWilliams · Feb 24, 2007

Don't know how far along you are in your writing, but you might contact your locak Scottish Society if you are here in the States. Ask people at Highland Games and such. They're always willing to give out some info to all ye who wish ye bled tartan colors!

::Bows::

Mel

M. K. McWilliams · Feb 24, 2007

Whoops! That should have been *local* ::coughs:: darn fingers are getting ahead of my brain again.

Mel

dpaterso · Feb 24, 2007

Och aye, if Mel can dae it, onybody can dae it. Guid luck tae ye, imagegod! Gie it laldy. An' feel free to ask questions any time ye like.

-Derek

Evaine · Feb 24, 2007

soccermom, you do know that most of the castles in Wales were built by the English when they invaded, don't you?
I'm intrigued - why did you choose the date 1292? Is it because of the failed rebellion by Llewelyn the Last's son?
(My main interest is medieval history, and Wales).

scarletpeaches · Feb 24, 2007

blacbird said:
Well . . . within a broad definition. I lived in Glasgow for a wee time.

caw

Glasgow doesn't count, owing to the fact that...well, I said so.

Scottish Question...

imagegod

scarletpeaches

MRutan

scarletpeaches

imagegod

imagegod

MRutan

scarletpeaches

imagegod

imagegod

Cath

The mean one

scarletpeaches

imagegod

Jenan Mac

The Deadliest Bunny

imagegod

scarletpeaches

kborsden

Has a few recurring issues

scarletpeaches

blacbird

Soccer Mom

Crypto-fascist

M. K. McWilliams

M. K. McWilliams

dpaterso

Also in our Discord and IRC chat channels

Evaine

scarletpeaches