Jersey French exam moves closer

Islanders may soon be able to take a GCSE in Jersey French if sufficient funding can be found.

Jerriaise teaching co-ordinator, Tony Scott Warren, said he feels optimistic after visiting the Isle of Man to see how a course in Manx is run.

£1,000 has been budgeted to set up a GCSE course but Mr Scott Warren said more funding is needed.

He also wants another teacher to work with Jerriaise experts to ensure the course complies with GCSE requirements.

Some Jerriaise 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

For the past 10 years the Isle of Man has run a modular course-work based GCSE in Manx, with about 12 students taking it each year as an extra option.

There is also an A level course, which looks at language and grammar.

The language of Jerriaise was formed over hundreds of years, influenced by many languages from Norse Viking to Frankish.

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

Mr Scott Warren says he is confident with the new States and a keen interest to preserve and promote the island's heritage, extra funding and support will be found for the project.