Interview with Edward ('Ned') Maddrell speaking Manx Gaelic
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Date(s): between 1951 and 1953
Creator(s): Manx Society
Scope & Content: Ned Maddrell in conversation, in Manx, with others. There is some interesting variation in Ned Maddrell's pronunciation of certain words e.g. 'geaishtagh', 'moghrey' from that used in Manx today. Interviewers and Ned have a drink together and talk generally about what Ned has been doing that morning 'geaishtagh rish yn wireless'; other native Manx speakers who have also been recorded by the interviewers and are known to Ned Maddrell are referred to, namely Sage Kinvig, John Kinvig (aka 'the Contractor'), Tommy Leece from Skeerey Chreest, Rosien. Ned tells them to omit 'Rosien' just say Skeerey Chreest when in the south.
They talk about an Irish boat wrecked six weeks ago; the Garrett family who lived on yn Colloo (the Calf), 'ram paitchyn keoi dy liooar' according to Ned; an Irish man called Mitchell (?) who also lived on yn Colloo and had a boat 'Leprechaun'; the quality of the land on yn Colloo. Ned is asked if Cow Harbour ever had a Manx name; if he ever fished for bollanyn (wrasse) to which he answers 'no', just' breck as skeddan' they are also catching 'partanyn as gimmee' these days which fetch a good price. Ned says there were once goairyn keoi (wild goats) on yn Colloo; the health and age of acquaintances with Ned describing most of them as 'moal' and unable to get about to which an interviewer comments 'veagh eh marroo dy beagh eh ny smelley'.
Ned's clock can be heard ticking loudly through the latter part of the recording and sounding the hour.
Administration / Biographical History: Edward Maddrell, last native speaker of Manx Gaelic (1877-1974). John William ('Bill') Radcliffe, Manx scholar (1917-1984). Walter Clarke, Manx speaker and translator (1928-2007). Douglas Faragher, Manx speaker.
This recording was made by Yn Cheshaght Ghailckagh (Manx Society) as part of a collection of recordings made on 29 paper tapes from 1951-1953 by members of Yn Cheshaght Ghailckagh on a ‘sound mirror’ recording machine. The machine was owned by Yn Cheshaght Ghailckagh, purchased for them by member John Gell. Recording sessions usually took place on Sunday afternoon. In most cases speakers were interviewed in their own homes, usually by two or more interviewers.
(Information from Broderick, 'Language Death in the Isle of Man', 1999.)
Language: Manx Gaelic
Extent: 31 min. 26 sec.
Item name: magnetic recording tape
Collection: Sound Archive
Level: ITEM
ID number: SA 0009
Access conditions: All reasonable attempt has been made by Manx National Heritage to trace and request permission (where needed) from the copyright holder(s) in this sound recording. If however you think you are a rights holder then please contact Manx National Heritage.
Subject tags : #UOSH