4. Introductory handsel
A Scots word and example sentence to learn:
- Kist [Tip: hold Ctrl and click a link to open it in a new tab. (Hide tip)]
- Definition: A chest, box, trunk, coffer, esp. a (farm-)servant's trunk.
- Example sentence: “We had ta howk a muckle hole ta bury the kist ithin...”
- English translation: “We had to dig a big hole to bury the box in...”
Activity 2
Click to hear the sentence above read by a Scots speaker.
You can then make your own recording and play it back to check your pronunciation.
Transcript
Listen
We had ta howk a muckle hole ta bury the kist ithin.
Model
We had ta howk a muckle hole ta bury the kist ithin.
Go to the Dictionary of the Scots Language for a full definition of the word
Language links
Please note that the word kist is another example of the close links the Scots language has with other European languages. In this case, it is the German language. The German language has the word die Kiste, which means a box made of sturdy materials, very often wood.
A Kiste is an object that often has a way of securing the lid in order to lock it. It was derived from the Latin cista – Kiste and introduced into the German language in the 12th century.
Related word:
- Howk
- Definition: 1. To dig, delve the soil.
- Example sentence: He made a pit an howkit deep.
- English translation: He made a pit and dug deep.
Activity 3
Click to hear the sentence above read by a Scots speaker.
You can then make your own recording and play it back to check your pronunciation.
Transcript
Listen
He made a pit an howkit deep.
Model
He made a pit an howkit deep.
Go to the Dictionary of the Scots Language for a full definition of the word
Introduction