The man behind plans for a week-long celebration of the north-east’s “Mither Tongue” says he has been overwhelmed by the response from local people.
Academic Don Carney is organising the first ever Doric Wik, encouraging employers to use the region’s native dialect in the workplace in a bid to change attitudes.
Doric Wik will begin a week today, with the idea supported by the likes of musician and broadcaster Robbie Shepherd.
Mr Carney runs Carney Heritage Productions and has spent a career capturing Aberdeenshire’s cultural heritage on video.
He has also been dubbed “Dr Doric” after he was awarded a PhD for his working safeguarding local culture.
Last night Mr Carney said: “The Doric Wik has had great support from many more people and organisations than was anticipated. Both local authorities, both universities and Visit Aberdeenshire have all passed on the Doric Wik plan to their staff, members, students and pupils.”
Mr Carney said local politicians have backed the concept and people have “spread the word” on social media. “It is great to see how many have supported this already and will be delighted to communicate in the Doric.”
It is estimated around 119,000 people speak Doric in the north-east, roughly 49% of the region’s population. Doric Wik complements Aberdeenshire Council’s new policy of embedding the dialect into the syllabus within schools.
Former lecturer Mr Carney said he hoped the scheme would build up a “cultural pride” and lead to more workplaces and classrooms embracing the tongue.
He added: “The Doric Wik will show abuddy that Doric is nae a thing o the past bit something that plays a muckle pairt in oor lives n is fit for the prisint day n for monny ears t come hilpin t mak oor region a success economically, educationally and socially.”
Mr Carney is ready to hand out a collection of Doric DVDs to the best Doric Wik story, written in English or Doric.
Anyone keen to take part in Doric week can e-mail: info@scottishheritage.co.uk