Jersey's native language Jerriais studied at Cambridge

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Students at the University of Cambridge have been learning about the linguistic variety of Jersey's native language, Jerriais.

The students spent five weeks studying the language in preparation for their final year exams.

At least two students will be visiting Jersey over the summer to discover the language for themselves.

Dr Mari Jones who taught the course said students learnt the differences in sounds and vocabulary in the island.

Dr Jones said as well as teaching the undergraduates about Jerrais, it also sparked an interest in island life.

According to the 2001 census there were 2,874 people who spoke Jerriais, about 3% of the population, but about 15% have some understanding of the language.

There are about 200 children learning Jerriais in island schools.

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