NORFOLK SCHOOLS DIALECT PROJECT
This archive is a summary of the efforts of the members of FOND (Friends of Norfolk Dialect), The Professional Development Centre and the participation and enthusiasm of nine local Norfolk Schools and their pupils.
Our aim is to continue this cultural development with more schools and organisations, by supporting them – and our existing participants – in the continuation of the preservation of Norfolk’s rich dialect and cultural heritage.
SCHOOLS INVOLVED…
The project was born from the desire by FOND to have the local dialect understood and appreciated by schools and the next generation as both a cultural heritage and ‘living thing’. The requirement of the national curriculum and the enthusiasm and interest of the Professional Development team of Norfolk Childrens Services produced a ‘marriage made in heaven’.
Local Heritage Initiative were excited by the project and provided approximately £25,000.
Of the original eleven schools who ‘signed up’ nine completed the project. They are:
- All Saints Primary School
- Brancaster Primary School
- Diss High School
- Firside Middle School
- Forncett St Peter Church of England Primary School
- Harleston C of E VA Primary School
- Langham Village School
- Sheringham Primary School
- Thompson Primary School
- Wymondham High School.
Each school received a day’s training from Prof. Peter Trudgill and members of the PDC alongside a member of FOND
This project has received national publicity, from features in The Guardian to The Sun to local TV and Radio. Activities culminated in a celebratory exhibition at the Forum and performances at the Royal Norfolk Show, as well as a Radio programme on Radio Norfolk.
The schools had help from either Spin Off Productions – a local theatre group – and/or Rig a Jig Jig – a local traditional music group. The actual projects selected by the schools varied considerably.
Each school laid on a presention of the project to their local population.
Please click on the sound files below to hear some excerpts and commentary from the participants.