Weird last word, hmm? Go back and sound it out one letter at a time, and you might find it familiar. The word is voyage in the language of Scots, perhaps English’s closest relatives as languages go. (Do not say that to a Scotsman; you might not get a good response).

Scots, also known as Doric, Leed, and Shetland, is a language that rings in the back of my head. My family has been fans of all things Scottish for a long time. But it’s also because I grew up in the Northeastern United States, literally across the river from Canada, that Scots isn’t far from my head. Bonny, loch, glen, lassie, lad, wee, and countless other scots words are a standard part of my American vocabulary. We learned “My Bonny lies over the ocean” right along with “Erie Cannal” and “The Star Spangled Banner”.

After months of banging my head on the table and raking the internet (raking is Scots for searching) while listening to songs and translating jokes, I’ve decided to embark on a journey to learn Scots. It’s going to be historical, cultural, and just plain fun. I promise songs, jokes (as soon as I understand them), and the history and trivia of Scotland as we go. Will you join me?

photo credit: Vicki & Chuck Rogers via photopin cc