"dialect" (and attitudes)

• Format: Manuscript
• Language: English
• Subjects: English language > Dialects > Newfoundland and Labrador; Newfoundland
• Online Access: http://collections.mun.ca/cdm/ref/collection/elrcdne/id/21088

dialect "Hold Fast" is the story of important months in the life of a fourteen year old boy, Michael. It takes us from the time when, because of the death of his parents, he is sent to live in St. Albert until the time he 'escapes' to return to Martin, the outport he has lived in all his life and where his younger brother and beloved Grandfather live. With the recent proliferation of 'Newfoundland material' a Newfoundlander is likely to approach any new book about this province with a degree of trepidation. I especially dislike the often horrendous attempts to translate the sound of outport speech into print. These attempts are rarely successful and often seem to be used as cheap comic relief. In the case of "Hold Fast" I need not have worried; Kevin Major has a sensitive ear, good memory and great skill. Half-forgotten phrases come back fresh and clear, "You wasn't so flick to say anything good about me last winter when I went across your stupid land on skidoo." [check] G WK. Not used Not used Not used attached sheet says "Re-file 1/50"; Checked by Cathy Wiseman on Mon 26 Jan 2015