Manx 'passport' scheme to spread language joy

A special new stamp-collecting "passport" scheme is aiming to boost the Manx language by encouraging people to visit different place around the island and use simple native phrases while they are there.

The Mannin Aboo Passport Scheme is being run by Culture Vannin as part of activities and events to celebrate the Year of the Manx Language.

Throughout the summer people can collect brightly-coloured booklets and gather stamps inside them by visiting a variety of island attractions and beautyspots.

The idea is to get people out and about and enjoying conversing in Manx, or even just trying out a word or two.

Co-ordinator Tiffany Kerruish said the scheme aimed to make hearing Manx in everyday life feel "normal and fun".

"It will be fantastic to hear Manx greetings such as moghrey mie [good morning] or gura mie ayd [thank you] spoken in real settings," she said.

"The hope is that the passports will help us all feel more comfortable using occasional Manx words when we are out and about."

Mannin aboo means "hurray for the Isle of Man" in Manx, and organisers hope it will make the language inviting and fun rather than intimidating.

Kerruish continued: "We don't have to be fluent speakers or even be learning Manx to keep the language alive and part of our daily lives.

"It all adds to what makes our island special and unique for ourselves and visitors to enjoy."

The passports feature useful phrases alongside pronunciation guides and divide the challenge into three categories - shapp (shop), cultoor (culture) and bee as jough (food and drink).

There are 18 stamps to collect and then the passports can be sealed up and returned to Culture Vannin to enter an autumn prize draw.

Prizes include Isle of Man Steam Packet vouchers, heritage experience tickets, Manx-themed jewellery and free cakes and coffees donated by participating venues.

Organisers said more businesses were still welcome to sign up as passport destinations during the summer.

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