- published: 13 Dec 2015
- views: 165
Auregnais, Aoeur'gnaeux or Aurignais is the Norman dialect of the Channel Island of Alderney (French: Aurigny, Auregnais: Aoeur'gny/Auregny). It is estimated that there are now possibly only 20 people still fluent in the language.
Only a few examples of Auregnais survive in written form. It is closely related to the Guernésiais (Guernsey), Jèrriais (Jersey), Sercquiais (Sark) dialects of the neighbouring islands, as well as Continental Norman on the European mainland.
One reason for the near extinction of the language has been the increased movement of the population. In particular, the influx of labourers from the United Kingdom employed by the British government in the construction of the abortive harbour project and other fortifications (during the reign of Queen Victoria), as well as the stationing of a sizable British garrison among the small population, served to relegate Auregnais to a lesser status for communication. It is thought that the evacuation of nearly all indigenous Auregnais to the British mainland during World War II (the island was occupied by the Nazis, and heavily fortified) was another significant blow to the spoken language. The language has suffered further losses in recent years due to an influx of people from England who have moved to the Bailiwick both for tax purposes and to fill the local skills gap.
Missing something in my life
Searching for it day and night
Couldn't seem to get it right
'Til you walked my way
Leaving lovers one by one
Didn't like who I'd become
Couldn't face myself, I turn and run
Made me see that I could change
Out of my darkness
As I step into the light
We get a new day
Taking one step at a time
You were what I needed
I was falling
Hiding my emotion
You made me see the truth
Your love was what I needed
Hear me calling
Waiting for a lifetime
Girl, you were my rescue
All I needed was you
I used to always get my way
Told me that you wouldn't stay
Had to face it, what you had to say
If I wanted you
You tell me when I did you wrong
I guess I've known it all along
Cared enough and you stood strong
I believed in you
In my frustrations
Tried to become someone else
The years I've wasted
I'd been lying to myself
You were what I needed
I was falling
Hiding my emotion
You made me see the truth
Your love was what I needed
Hear me calling
Waiting for a lifetime
Hear me calling
What I needed
What I needed was you
In you I found shelter
How you believed in me, stood strong
You were there through my darkest hour
You lifted my spirit up
Brought out the best in me
And now I'll stand before you with all my love
You were what I needed
I was falling
Hiding my emotion
But you made me see the truth
Your love was what I needed
Hear me calling
Waiting for a lifetime
Girl you were my rescue