A lesson in Newfunese

[That Announcer]

How many of you know any language other than your own? My hand is up. I know French, a little Spanish (thanks to 'El Mariachi') and a teensy bit of German. However, I also know Newfunese, a rare dialect of English spoken by Newfoundlanders. As everybody in my family but four people (me, two cousins and my step-uncle James) comes from Newfoundland, it was important that I pick up this language and begin to use it in everyday conversation. Sure, it may have taken me a little while (around a year or so), but once I got the hang of it, it soon became my regular language. (Yes, I confuse the guys in my class.)

You've really got to come from Newfoundland to fully understand the language; however, I've found a great lyric from Buddy Wasisname and the Other Fellers, my second-favorite band. They play some great Newfoundland music, and they often poke fun at the rest of the world for speaking so oddly (to them). One particular track they've done based entirely on this was entitled "Newfunese" (no surprise), and I found the lyric on their website. So that you understand this a little better (really, just a little), here's a biography of each of the guys. This would be Wayne; this is Kevin (the 'Buddy' of the group name) and this is Ray. Now, follow the link below for a short lesson in Newfunese.

http://www.buddywasisname.com/l_newfunese.htm

 

[superfan]

It's all so true! I've worked with Newfies and sometimes their accent is SO thick and pronounced, you have to pay reeeally good attention to what is being said. Such party people too! Holy Moly!
And apparantly, they have their own dictionary!
(I lived in Halifax for a number of years, T.A....I can relate to the whole East Coast thing!)