Ever heard of 'Scots?'

Question

I was doing some research, and somewhere found that a language named 'Scots' is the closest existing relative of English. And it's easy to see why. Who knew that learning another language could be so easy? (for English speakers, that is). Here's a good example.

"Aw human sowels is born free and equal in dignity and richts. They are tochered wi mense and conscience and shuld guide theirsels ane til ither in a speirit o britherheid."

I hope someone finds this as interesting as I do!

It might look the same written down sometimes but when you hear it it's almost incomprehensible. - rabbitwho, May 24, 2011

Answer 1

Seems like it's about as useful as ebonics.

I think it is more relevant, but it is just a subjective feeling. - lazarus1907, May 24, 2011

Answer 2

The resemblance between Scots and English is one of the reasons McWhorter calls many of his fellow linguistics experts blind idiots. His argument is that the original Celtic languages still permeate a lot of English. Even if he weren't obviously a genius, I would suspect he is right about this.

Answer 3

Felix, the most familiar reference I know to "Scots" is the poem "Auld Lang Syne", a poem written by Robert Burns in 1788. We sing it at New Year's parties, but no one seems to ever know the words.

Should auld acquaintance be forgot, and never brought to mind ? Should auld acquaintance be forgot, and auld lang syne?

CHORUS:
For auld lang syne, my jo,
for auld lang syne,
we’ll tak a cup o’ kindness yet,
for auld lang syne.

And surely ye’ll be your pint-stowp ! and surely I’ll be mine ! And we’ll tak a cup o’ kindness yet, for auld lang syne.

CHORUS

We twa hae run about the braes, and pu’d the gowans fine ; But we’ve wander’d mony a weary fit, sin auld lang syne.

CHORUS

We twa hae paidl’d i' the burn, frae morning sun till dine ; But seas between us braid hae roar’d sin auld lang syne.

CHORUS

And there’s a hand, my trusty fiere ! and gie's a hand o’ thine ! And we’ll tak a right gude-willy waught, for auld lang syne.

Robert Burns and Scots are intimately related, of course. - lazarus1907, May 24, 2011

Answer 4

I have heard about it, of course, and I've read about the debate language/dialect that surrounds it, but there are many other aspects of English that interest me more, I'm afraid.