CULTURE
English is the common language
on Norfolk Island, but between themselves the Islanders use their
own patois - a mixture of platt Deutsch, 18th Century English
and Tahitian, brought to the island by the Pitcairners.
This local language is not
usually written and there are not formal rules regarding spelling.
In 1986 Beryl Nobbs, and Islander, published the first dictionary
of Norfolk words and usages.
Some examples of the Norfolk
patois and their English equivalents are given here to acquaint
you with the language.
| Norfolk |
English |
| Whutta-waye? |
How are
you? |
| All yorlye gwen? |
How are
you all? |
| Come yorlye look orn. |
Come
and have a look, everyone. |
| I gut ar hillie. |
I'm in
a lazy mood. |
| He arta orn hissel. |
He admires
himself too much. |
| Car do far dorg et. |
Not
good enough even for a dog's meal. |
| Es stolle. |
It's
a lie. |
| I car foot. |
I don't
know. |
| Hui-hui |
Appallingly
dirty and smelly |
| Tye-tye |
Tasteless,
unappetising |
| Daffy |
Here |
| Deffy |
There |
[Source:
Norfolk
Island Web Site]
