New booklet teaches island tongue

More than 200 school pupils are expected to learn Jersey's own language during the coming academic year.

Jèrriaise teachers have published a new learning booklet that newcomers to the language will use.

Ancient Norman French continued in use in Jersey until at least the 1800s and although the official written language was French, Jèrriaise was spoken.

La P'tite Sente or Little Path, is the first of a new series of workbooks to be used in island schools.

Some Jèrriaise phrases Bouônjour man vyi Hello old mate Comme est qu'tu'es How are you? Eune pinte dé biéthe pouor mé s'i' t'pliaît. A pint of beer for me please

The new booklet, available in all primary and secondary schools and at some private schools, is designed to introduce pupils to the language in an accessible and entertaining way.

Language teacher Tony Scott Warren says it is a step towards introducing a GCSE level qualification.