Interview with John Tom Kaighin of Bride
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Date(s): 1951-1953
Creator(s): Manx Society
Scope & Content: They start by saying that they need to make use of the opportunity to talk as they may not have much time left. they discuss what they should talk about in a mixture of Manx and English with interviewer suggesting the weather and farming. They talk about the difference in patterns of work between then and now, such as working on Sundays; large number of immigrants to the Isle of Man who earn more here than in England; horses and cattle, pigs and sheep and crops and the changing agricultural practices and economy; blacksmiths, including John Kneen, the Gaaue. They asks him questions to show the Manx that he can remember from when he was young. Recitation of verse 2 of the hymn ‘Give me the Wings’ in Manx. Sentences in Manx that he can remember: do something until I get home; raise a child in the way he should go and he won’t turn from it and he repeats these phrases and others now and again throughout the interview. They talk about Manx spoken by children. Interviewer asks him if he went to Douglas, Peel or Castletown very much and he says no. Interviewer talks about getting herring and eating herring and potatoes. Interviewer asks him to say the Lord’s Prayer in Manx and he says it twice; they discuss the Manx for Merry Christmas; interviewer asks about Harry Boyde; interviewer starts to ask specific questions about Manx words and phrases.
Administration / Biographical History: John Thomas Kaighen, native Manx Speaker (1862-1964). John William ('Bill') Radcliffe, Manx scholar (1917-1984). Walter Clarke, Manx speaker and translator (1928-2007). Douglas Faragher, Manx speaker. Danny Caine, Little London.
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, English
Extent: 31 min. 34 sec.
Item name: magnetic recording tape
Collection: Sound Archive
Level: ITEM
ID number: SA 0021
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