New language competition for Down and Antrim schools

Over 500 primary schools in Counties Down and Antrim are being asked to highlight local Ulster-Scots words in a unique competition.  Schools in the North Eastern, South Eastern, and Belfast Education Boards are invited to take part in a competition promoted by the Ulster-Scots Language Society and sponsored by the Ulster-Scots Agency.

   Entitled 'Come Ben An' Pit On Ye!' which is a traditional Ulster-Scots expression, the competition allows for a wide range of educational expression based around the themes of clothes, material, and the wardrobe.

   There will be substantial prizes for classes and individual pupils in the P4 - P7 age bracket which have until May 20 to submit their entries in audio, visual or print format.

   Commenting on the competition which is being organised on a cross-community basis, Language Society Chairman Anne Smyth, said:  "By using the theme 'Come An Pit On Ye' we really want to try and encourage children to find those Ulster-Scots words which have no Irish or English equivalent, such as 'linins', 'simmet' or 'carsockie'- words which are used on a regular basis in many rural homes.

   "We look forward to assessing drama, song, poetry or written work!  What we will be looking for however is creativity, originality and good Ulster-Scots content."  

   Ulster-Scots Agency CEO George Patton urged local Ulster-Scots enthusiasts to help their local schools take part in the competition.

   "While I'm sure that the pupils' parents and grandparents will be a great help, there are many local Ulster-Scots involved in music, song, dance and storytelling who no doubt would be of great assistance to the school, so I would urge them to lend their support and expertise to make this a truly great celebration of Ulster-Scots."