17. Introductory handsel
A Scots word and example sentence to learn:
Graith [Tip: hold Ctrl and click a link to open it in a new tab. (Hide tip)]
Definition: II. equipment, tools
Example sentence: “Grammar an wirds is the graith o language.”
English translation: “Grammar and words are the tools of language.”
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
Grammar an wirds is the graith o language.
Model
Grammar an wirds is the graith o language.
Go to the Dictionary of the Scots Language for a full definition of the word
Language Links
The Scots noun graith has a long history and is connected to, or has its roots in, a number of other Northern and Western European languages. In modern German, the noun Gerät does not only sound very similar to the Scots graith, it also has the same meaning as a collective term for tools or equipment.
The noun also has connections with the modern Faroese language where greiði is used to mean requisite articles or a tool; then in Norwegian greida denotes implements or a tackle or it can be used as greide (harness). The word graith in its current spelling appeared around 1300 in Northern Middle English meaning equipment, and in a specific context, it is used to mean harness, furnishing, or even a dress!
Here are pre-1700 usages of the word in Scots.
Related word:
Definition: To build, construct:
Example sentence: “Wi the richt graith ye can big braw sentences wi guid grammar.”
English translation: “With the right tools you can construct good sentences with good grammar.”
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
Wi the richt graith ye can big braw sentences wi guid grammar.
Model
Wi the richt graith ye can big braw sentences wi guid grammar.
Introduction