Guernesiais should be taught in school, says group

Guernesiais should be an essential part of the curriculum says Sir Richard Collas

The Guernsey language should be an essential part of the school curriculum, the chair of the island's language commission has said.

Sir Richard Collas, chair of the Guernsey Language Commission, says Guernesiais "is an integral part of our history and our culture".

Guernesiais, a form of Norman French, was commonly used by islanders from the Norman conquest to the 1800s.

Sir Richard said: "One can't understand so much of our past without understanding our Norman origins and so it is something that I think should be an essential part of the school curriculum along with other local subjects."

'Revitalise it'

Sir Richard said it was also "important" to get up-to-date information on the number of Guernesiais speakers.

"Otherwise we don't know whether the steps that we're taking to revitalise it have been successful or not," he said.

"Many, many Guernsey people can say a few words or speak it occasionally.

"And I think it's very good that we revitalise it and encourage more to do so."

The commission is holding a free public event at St Martin's Community Centre on 10 February for people to learn more about the language and to get involved.