Programme of events revealed to mark Ulster-Scots Language Week

A packed programme of events is planned to mark Ulster-Scots Language Week across the City and District.
The week-long programme running from November 25-29, includes engaging talks, creative writing workshops, language learning events and short digital films.
The female voice features heavily in the diverse list of speakers and contributors which welcomes Ulster-Scots writers, poets, thinkers and performers from home and abroad.
Encouraging people to get involved Pól Ó Frighil, from Derry City and Strabane District Council’s Languages Team, said: “We are very excited to reveal our plans to celebrate Ulster Scots Language Week 2024.
“From lunchtime lectures to short-films you can enjoy at your leisure, we have tried to make the programme accessible and interesting for a wide-range of people.
“So, whether you just have a wheen o words, speak tha hamely tongue daily, or are just curious about the Ulster-Scots language, this year’s programme has something for you. I hope everyone takes this opportunity to learn a little bit more about the Ulster-Scots Language and to celebrate the unique contribution it makes to life across our City and District.”
The week will begin with a talk by poet and novelist Meagan Jennet in the Tower Museum at 1.00pm on Monday, November 25. In ‘Mountain Talk: Searching for Appalachian roots in Ulster Scots’, Meagan explores the presence of Ulster Scots in southern Appalachian speech. A native of Virginia Blue Ridge, she asks “Where might Ulster Scots reside in the Virginian mouth”.
On Wednesday, November 27 at 12.30pm in the Guildhall there will be a language learning workshop hosted by Dr Dayna Jost. This is an introduction to the Ulster-Scots language at a basic level and discusses its origin and cultural significance.
Journalist Alan Millar will take centre stage at the Tower Museum on Thursday, November 28 at 1.00pm, with his lecture entitled ‘Scots Wurds in Irish Toonlands’. Born and reared in the Laggan in East Donegal, Alan will explore the interconnections of locality and language running through his own work, using as his touchstone the glossary and subscription list of Newton-Cunningham poet George Dugall’s ‘The Northern Cottage’, published 200 years ago this year.
For anyone who can’t make it to Alan’s lecture in person, they can check out ‘Kenspeckle Kythins’, a short film featuring Alan which will be available online from Monday, November 25. Covering similar topics, the film will feature contributions from contemporary Scots poets William Hershaw and George Watt, as well as a poem especially written by Alan Millar.
Two other short films will also be available to view at your convenience from Monday, November 25. ‘Wheesht’ looks at the creative ways rural women found to express themselves, and celebrates the energy, power and originality of the female Ulster-Scots voice. Featuring poets Aileen McCahon and Anne McMaster, ‘Wheesht’ is a film with the Ulster-Scots Language at its core – how it is spoken and how its speakers have been perceived.
Anne McMaster will also lead on ‘Aye Nearhan’, a short film combining Ulster-Scots narrative with extraordinary drone footage of the Northern Ireland landscape and coastline.
Throughout the week writer, poet and artist Robert Campbell will work with a number of local schools, including Lisnagelvin PS, stimulating children’s imaginations and helping them to realise Ulster-Scots is part of their everyday life. Three local Gaelscoileanna will take part in a storytelling workshop where they will use Ulster-Scots words and phrases to bring their tales to life.
The week will also feature a presentation of certificates to Elected Members and staff of Derry City and Strabane District Council who have completed their OCN Level 1 Module in Ulster-Scots Language, Heritage and Culture.
The programme is kindly supported by The Ulster-Scots Agency. All events are free, but booking is essential for in-person events. To book your place contact ulsterscots@derrystrabane.com or call (028) 71376 579.
For the latest updates and to access the digital events, which will be available from Monday, November 25, go to derrystrabane.com/ulsterscots.