The Dialect of the West of England; Particularly Somersetshire By: James Jennings
The Dialect of the West of England; Particularly Somersetshire by James Jennings is a comprehensive and meticulous exploration of a regional language that is rich in history and cultural significance. This book serves as an invaluable resource for linguists, historians, and anyone interested in understanding the nuances and distinctive features of the West Country dialect, particularly Somersetshire. Jennings presents his research in a concise and organized manner, making it accessible for readers with varying levels of familiarity with linguistics. He begins by setting the historical context, tracing the roots of the Somerset dialect back to the Old English period and its subsequent evolution through different waves of invasions and influences. One of the standout features of this book is the attention to detail. Jennings provides an extensive inventory of words, phrases, and pronunciations, capturing the essence of the dialect's unique charm. Through numerous examples, he illustrates how pronunciation patterns and word usage vary across different locations within Somersetshire, thereby highlighting the diversity within the region. Additionally, the author delves into the history and etymology of the dialect's vocabulary, shedding light on its origins and influences from Old Norse, Celtic, and French languages. Furthermore, Jennings contextualizes the dialect within the broader sociocultural framework of Somersetshire. He explores its role in literature, folklore, and traditional songs, showing how the dialect has been preserved and celebrated by generations of locals. This perspective adds depth and richness to the linguistic analysis, as it underscores the dialect's relevance and enduring cultural value. Despite its wealth of information, some readers might find the book slightly overwhelming due to its academic tone and technical terminology. However, Jennings does make an effort to provide explanations and examples that help readers navigate through the more complex linguistic aspects. Moreover, the inclusion of maps that chart the dialect boundaries and a glossary of dialectal terms contribute to a clearer understanding of the subject matter. In conclusion, The Dialect of the West of England; Particularly Somersetshire is an authoritative and thought-provoking work that offers a comprehensive examination of the unique language spoken in Somersetshire. James Jennings's meticulous research and attention to detail make this book an invaluable resource for scholars and enthusiasts alike, providing a deeper understanding of the fascinating linguistic heritage of the West Country. First Page: "Goo little Reed! Aforn tha vawk, an vor me plead: Thy wild nawtes, mâ be, thâ ool hire Zooner than zâter vrom a lâre. Zâ that thy Maester's pleas'd ta blaw 'em, An haups in time thâ'll come ta knaw 'em An nif za be thâ'll please ta hear, A'll gee zum moor another year." The Farewell. THE Dialect of the West of England PARTICULARLY SOMERSETSHIRE; WITH A GLOSSARY OF WORDS NOW IN USE THERE; ALSO WITH POEMS AND OTHER PIECES EXEMPLIFYING THE DIALECT. BY JAMES JENNINGS, HONORARY SECRETARY OF THE METROPOLITAN LITERARY INSTITUTION, LONDON. BASED ON THE SECOND EDITION, THE WHOLE REVISED, CORRECTED, AND ENLARGED, WITH TWO DISSERTATIONS ON THE ANGLO SAXON PRONOUNS, AND OTHER PIECES, BY JAMES KNIGHT JENNINGS, M.A., Late Scholar and Librarian, Queens' College, Cambridge; Vicar of Hagbourn, Berkshire; and Minister of Calcott Donative, Somersetshire. TO THA DWELLERS O' THA WEST, Tha Fruit o' longvul labour, years, In theäze veo leaves at last appears. Ta you, tha dwellers o' tha West, I'm pleas'd that thâ shood be addresst: Vor thaw I now in Lunnan dwell, I mine ye still I love ye well; And niver, niver sholl vorget I vust drâw'd breath in Zummerzet ; Amangst ye liv'd, and left ye zorry, As you'll knaw when you hire my storry... Continue reading book >>

The Dialect of the West of England; Particularly Somersetshire By: James Jennings

The Dialect of the West of England; Particularly Somersetshire by James Jennings is a comprehensive and meticulous exploration of a regional language that is rich in history and cultural significance. This book serves as an invaluable resource for linguists, historians, and anyone interested in understanding the nuances and distinctive features of the West Country dialect, particularly Somersetshire.

Jennings presents his research in a concise and organized manner, making it accessible for readers with varying levels of familiarity with linguistics. He begins by setting the historical context, tracing the roots of the Somerset dialect back to the Old English period and its subsequent evolution through different waves of invasions and influences.

One of the standout features of this book is the attention to detail. Jennings provides an extensive inventory of words, phrases, and pronunciations, capturing the essence of the dialect's unique charm. Through numerous examples, he illustrates how pronunciation patterns and word usage vary across different locations within Somersetshire, thereby highlighting the diversity within the region. Additionally, the author delves into the history and etymology of the dialect's vocabulary, shedding light on its origins and influences from Old Norse, Celtic, and French languages.

Furthermore, Jennings contextualizes the dialect within the broader sociocultural framework of Somersetshire. He explores its role in literature, folklore, and traditional songs, showing how the dialect has been preserved and celebrated by generations of locals. This perspective adds depth and richness to the linguistic analysis, as it underscores the dialect's relevance and enduring cultural value.

Despite its wealth of information, some readers might find the book slightly overwhelming due to its academic tone and technical terminology. However, Jennings does make an effort to provide explanations and examples that help readers navigate through the more complex linguistic aspects. Moreover, the inclusion of maps that chart the dialect boundaries and a glossary of dialectal terms contribute to a clearer understanding of the subject matter.

In conclusion, The Dialect of the West of England; Particularly Somersetshire is an authoritative and thought-provoking work that offers a comprehensive examination of the unique language spoken in Somersetshire. James Jennings's meticulous research and attention to detail make this book an invaluable resource for scholars and enthusiasts alike, providing a deeper understanding of the fascinating linguistic heritage of the West Country.

First Page:

"Goo little Reed! Aforn tha vawk, an vor me plead: Thy wild nawtes, mâ be, thâ ool hire Zooner than zâter vrom a lâre. Zâ that thy Maester's pleas'd ta blaw 'em, An haups in time thâ'll come ta knaw 'em An nif za be thâ'll please ta hear, A'll gee zum moor another year." The Farewell.

THE Dialect of the West of England

PARTICULARLY SOMERSETSHIRE;

WITH A GLOSSARY OF WORDS NOW IN USE THERE; ALSO WITH POEMS AND OTHER PIECES EXEMPLIFYING THE DIALECT.

BY JAMES JENNINGS,

HONORARY SECRETARY OF THE METROPOLITAN LITERARY INSTITUTION, LONDON.

BASED ON THE SECOND EDITION,

THE WHOLE REVISED, CORRECTED, AND ENLARGED, WITH TWO DISSERTATIONS ON THE ANGLO SAXON PRONOUNS, AND OTHER PIECES,

BY JAMES KNIGHT JENNINGS, M.A.,

Late Scholar and Librarian, Queens' College, Cambridge; Vicar of Hagbourn, Berkshire; and Minister of Calcott Donative, Somersetshire.

TO THA DWELLERS O' THA WEST,

Tha Fruit o' longvul labour, years, In theäze veo leaves at last appears. Ta you, tha dwellers o' tha West, I'm pleas'd that thâ shood be addresst: Vor thaw I now in Lunnan dwell, I mine ye still I love ye well; And niver, niver sholl vorget I vust drâw'd breath in Zummerzet ; Amangst ye liv'd, and left ye zorry, As you'll knaw when you hire my storry... Continue reading book >>

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