settlement

• 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/55453

settlement n "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 peculiarities 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' Il' They speakof their ' handses and postses;' of their cows being 'alossed,' and their bread 'amade.' They wil 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 for '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 a small village, OUTPORT, PLANTATION, harbours The source is not listed in DNE but the card is stamped. There is something on card that has whitener on it and says 'not at livier, p. 34-5