I

• Format: Manuscript
• Language: English
• Published: 1979
• Subjects: English language > Dialects > Newfoundland and Labrador; Newfoundland
• Online Access: http://collections.mun.ca/cdm/ref/collection/elrcdne/id/37073

I pro "The population is a mixed one, nearly half being the descendants of Irish settlers, the rest English; most of them sprung from progenitors who came originally from Devonshire, Dorset- shire and Hampshire. The descendants of the latter retain many of the pecularities of speech which still distinguish the peasants of Devonshire. They say, 'I's took no notice to she,' that is, no notice of her. "Did 'ee want anything wi' I?' They speak of their 'handses and postses;' of their cows being 'alossed,' and their bread 'amade.' They will say 'Mubbe I's goun home." The parson is 'pareson,' and they ask him to ''bide a spurt' with them. A 'spell' is either short con- tinuance at labor or a time of rest. Short distances are, in common speech, measured as 'spells.' Thus 'two shoulder spells' is a distance a man would ordinarily carry a burden on his shoulders, resting once in the midst. The word 'obedience' is sometimes used of 'obeisance.' Thus, chil- dren are directed to 'make their obedience,' that is, to bow courtesy. The inhabitants of a settle ment are called 'liviers,' and if any district be uninhabited there are said to be no 'liviers' in it. PRINTED ITEM W Kirwin 5/79 JH 5/79 Used I and Sup Used I and Sup Not used I am Checked by Sarah Budgell Thu 05 Feb 2015