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This is the first translation into the Border Scots dialect of "Alice's Adventures in Wonderland". Scots was at its peak as a European language of scholars in the 16th century, but its scope and influence has declined since English became Scotland's formal written language in the 17th century. Border Scots has subsequently become primarily an oral dialect, spoken by more than 100,000 people at home, work and play, but not regularly committed to paper for use in a formal context. Recognizing the oral nature of the dialect was an important step in deciding how this first translation of Alice was to be carried out. Border Scots differs from other Scots dialects in terms of its anglicized and unusual flat vowel pronunciations, earning it the moniker of the "yow an mei" dialect. There was an opportunity to echo this sound in the very name of "Ahlice", where the drawn out and flattened first syllable acts as an aural clue to the deep timbre this dialect emits in its spoken form. To further achieve this aural effect the common Scots custom of dropping consonants at the end of words and syllables has also been deployed. In particular, applying it to the progressive participle ending -ing to make it -in flattens the sound to a more authentic Borders' pitch. Elliot Cowan Smith observed nearly a century ago that the Borders dialect will "pass gradually into oblivion" if its spirit is allowed to be lost. It is hoped that the publication of "Ahlice's Adveenturs in Wunderlaant" will kindle the spirit and confidence to record the dialect in print more widely, and establish a future role for it in the development of Borders life.
About the author
Lewis Carroll, born Charles Lutwidge Dodgson in 1832, was a brilliant Victorian-era scholar and mathematician who lectured at Christ Church, Oxford. His passion for logic and puzzles is reflected in his famous works Alice's Adventures in Wonderland and Through the Looking-Glass, where he masterfully blended fantasy with precise wordplay. These imaginative tales became timeless classics due to their unique combination of whimsy and mathematical logic. Carroll's ability to craft intricate, playful worlds has ensured his enduring place in literary history.Carroll's close bond with the Liddell family, especially young Alice Liddell, played a significant role in shaping his writing. During a boating trip with the Liddells in 1862, he first conceived the story that would become Alice's Adventures in Wonderland. With encouragement from Alice, Carroll expanded the tale into a full novel, published in 1865, which became an immediate success. The sequel, Through the Looking-Glass, further established Carroll as a leading figure in children's literature, celebrated for his fantastical characters and clever use of nonsensical language.Beyond literature, Carroll was a skilled photographer, particularly known for his portraits of children, which captured the innocence and imagination of the Victorian age. His talents extended to mathematics, and his contributions in both fields have solidified his reputation as a true Renaissance man. Carroll's work has inspired generations of readers, and his influence continues to resonate in literature and culture today. Despite his often private and complex life, his imaginative legacy remains profound and far-reaching.
