Here is a list of the phrases we covered in this week’s little Jèrriais lesson on BBC Jersey (Monday after 6pm). The circumflex accent (the one that looks like a pointed hat) over a vowel indicates that the sound is long. This sometimes distinguishes the meaning of words that look otherwise identical. As a comparison, think of the way a “magic e” at the end of English words shows different pronunciations e.g. rat – rate.
- lé rât = the rates
- lé rat = the rat
- lé mât = the mast
- lé ma = pain, illness, ache
- la gâche = the cake
- lé Châté Lîzabé = Elizabeth Castle
- pâler = to speak
- i’ pâlit = he spoke
- i’ palit = he turned pale
- L’s Êtats d’Jèrri = The States of Jersey
- L’Êta = L’Étacq
Click on linked words for a sound clip!