Island speak

Newfoundlanders are known for our unique words and speech. We even have our own dictionary. A recent two minute video done by TSN, highlights some of the uniques sayings of Newfoundlanders, and can be seen 

here.

The two young men featured are Newfoundland members of Canada’s team at the World Junior Hockey championships this year. They were defeated by the U. S. Team last night.

Having lived on Prince Edward Island for a few years now, my husband and I have grown accustomed to PEI speak too. Some islanders don’t recognize their own originality of terms or phrases, so I wrote a poem to help. As a woman of both islands I love

              Island speak

You know you’re on the island 

If corners have a name.

Like Read’s or Cook’s or Kenny’s,

All islanders know the same.

While “How are ya?” is common, 

I’ve often heard it said.

Just add an s and it becomes

“How are yas?” instead.

Anywheres and nowheres

And somewheres, so yas see-

Islanders they like an s

Added easily.

Then there are directions,

Like out west to go away,

Or up west to go to Tignish

And down east to Broughton Bay.

It is just a fresh day

When the wind is blowing high

And the cold enough to freeze yas

As yas learn that yas can fly.

Everything is worst here,

For comparisons of two.

So as for a crowd yas say

He is worst than you, ah...yas.

And when yas leave the island

By ferry or by car

Acrosst is where yas going cause

Yas don’t have to go far.

With love, Marie.