Ulster-Scots mark European Day of Language with new books

A new collection of Ulster-Scots books featuring poetry, prose and a glossary of words was announced to mark  European Day of Language September 26.
Some of the best contemporary Ulster-Scots writers, like Philip Robinson and Charlie Gillen, will have their work published in what will be the biggest publication programme of Ulster-Scots language books to date.
The Ulster-Scots Language Society plans to publish the books with financial assistance from the Ulster-Scots Agency.
A revised edition of Jim Fenton's authoritative dictionary, The Hamely Tongue - the third edition - is ready to go to press.  This collection of Ulster-Scots words and phrases from Co Antrim gives an accurate picture of the language as it is used today, and is the result of years of intense research by this highly acclaimed poet.
The Man frae the Mannystrie is the long-awaited final novel in Philip Robinson's gripping trilogy to join the first two titles, Wake the Tribe o Dan and Back Streets o the Claw.  Philip Robinson, from Greyabbey, author of the first and only Ulster-Scots grammar book, is one of the foremost contemporary Ulster-Scots writers of novels, poetry and other varieties of prose.  His collection of poems, Alang tha Shore, is one of a series of six short books that will introduce Ulster-Scots writers to a wider audience.
The ever-popular 'Twa Charlies', Charlie Reynolds, from Coleraine, and Charlie Gillen, from Dervock, Co Antrim, will both have collections of poems published in this series:  Mae Granfeyther's Tunge from Charlie Reynolds's and Tha Wizard's Quill from Charlie Gillen.  In addition, Charlie Reynolds pain-staking research into local Ulster-Scots used in newspapers and writings of the time has borne fruit in a glossary of words for his second booklet, Ballymena Glossary 1862.
There will be two booklets of stories from retired but prolific writer John M'Gimpsey Johnston - Mae Biggin Deys and Blethers fae Ballyhie.  Now in his seventies, John is originally from Ballyhay, Co Down, and despite living in England for many years he has still retained his love of the Ulster-Scots he spoke in his childhood.
The latest editions of the Ulster-Scots Language Society's periodical journal Ullans are also part of this publication programme.
Anne Smyth, chairman of the Ulster-Scots Language Society, said:  "We are delighted to announce our publication plans for these books as we are helping to let the voice of the Ulster-Scots community be heard in their contemporary writing, and in the example of past generations of Ulster-Scots writers.  We also know that these books will give a great deal of enjoyment to their readers."
"The new books will be a welcome boost to the body of Ulster-Scots literature available," said George Patton, chief executive of the Ulster-Scots Agency.
"The Ulster-Scots Language Society has done a great job in developing Ulster-Scots writing and should be congratulated in bringing new writers to a hungry audience," he added.