The above tile was made by an absolutely fantastic artist out of Norfolk called Paul Bommer. He's done a series of nature-related tiles. Each image is accompanied by its Norfolk dialect name. I noticed that the term flitter mouse is similar to the German word for bat which is Fledermaus. According to the artist, many dialect words probably stem from the Dutch and Flemish speakers who began coming to the area in the 16th century. I've read that some from the Lowlands were fleeing religious persecution whereas others were requested to come to Norfolk to aid with the draining of marshes. Regardless of their reason for coming to Norfolk, it would seem that the Dutch imprint on the language is undeniable.
More brilliant tiles and Norfolk dialect from Bommer:
good to see new Delft style tiles
ReplyDeleteYes, they are fun. He's created more traditional tiles replete with tulips and even more way-out tiles with Yoda, saucy sailors, etc.
DeleteBeautiful things.
ReplyDeleteThe English language has always been 'good' at borrowing terms from other languages. Rather a lot of other languages.
I'd be keen to hear the Norfolk dialect spoken, that's for sure!
DeleteNice but I wouldn't want them in my bathroom. One or two in kitchen maybe.
ReplyDeleteOne or two in the kitchen would be fun.
DeleteLove these -- so whimsical! In French, the word for "bat" is "la souris chauve" -- "the bald mouse."
ReplyDeleteHa. Brilliant name for 'bat' in French!
DeleteI love his style. Not sure I'd want them on the walls but very whimsical.
ReplyDeleteVery!
DeleteLanguage is fascinating. Those tiles are very interesting. Cute, sort of.
ReplyDeleteHis tiles of finches and tits are very cute. If you're keen, you can see a good selection of his work on Instagram under his name: Paul Bommer.
DeleteThose are great. I checked out his website and he has even more great stuff on there. Thanks, Bea. I might be making some online purchases.
ReplyDeleteWelcome. Yeah, I'm eyeing stuff to potentially buy as well. He does great work.
DeleteA Puddock or taid is a craitur seemilar tae a frog that bides on laund an in fresh watter. Growen puddocks can lowp faur wi their lang shanks. Their eggs is cried taid-spew or taid-redd.
ReplyDeleteThat's what returned when I went right over to wickipedia. I only wanted a small hint of the 5'3" boast. Long shanks indeed.
The puddock wiki entry would appear to be in Norfolk dialect. Super. I think I get the gist of most of it, but I can't figure out what kind of verb 'cried' would shake out to in English.
Delete"their eggs are called" I would guess.
DeleteAh, very good. Thanks, Joanne.
DeleteThey are lovely. I think they would look great interspersed on a wall of white tiles.
ReplyDeleteYes, they would look good that way.
DeleteThey are gorgeous tiles! Flitter flutter ... I love how English grows from its Olde Neighbours. I'm off to have a look at his work on instagram, thanks for the tip.
ReplyDeleteCried? Don't forget cry as in announce.
Ah, yes! I was forgetting about the town cryer and all of that. Thanks. :)
DeleteI did forget to say Hello! I've been a more recent reader but hadn't realised I'd not commented before.
DeleteI love Paul Bommer's work on instagram and have followed him as well. Such an amusing and modern take on the Delft Tile!
A hearty 'hello' to you as well!
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