New stamp set celebrates Jersey language

Jersey Post said its second series of its native language stamps features Jerriais phrases

The second series of stamps in Jersey celebrating the native language has been released.

Jersey Post said the second series of the stamps feature the traditional language of Jersey and "highlights the uniqueness of the Jèrriais language".

Local artist Ron Mills, who illustrated the first issue in 2022, returned to create the second series.

The latest edition includes a set of six stamps which features various phrases used with the language.

Jersey Post said: "All our stamp issues aim to celebrate the uniqueness of the Island, including the traditional language of Jèrriais.

"When there’s more to explore with a subject, we tend to revisit it with a different angle, this time being phrases.

"We’d love to do a third in the series in the future as the language is a key part of Jersey’s heritage."

The Jersey phrases include Bouan Viage, which signifies a wish of good voyage, while un baté pêtcheux means fishing boat.

The "fun" phrase un pithot coêffi refers to someone as being a bit "hoity toity", Jersey Post said.

Un crapaud is a well-known phrase on the island according to Jersey Post, and named after a local toad called a crapaud.

It said: "Previously the phrase un crapaud was meant to be an insulting way to describe someone from Jersey, however locals took an ironic pride in the name, to the point that in St. Helier a stone crapaud stands proudly on a pillar within an area of the town."

The phrase eune tchéthue means to plough, it added.

Jersey Post also thanked teams from the Societe of Jèrriais and the authors of Titchi Pitchi who helped research for its new series of stamps.