ULSTER-SCOTS
RESEARCH
CENTRE

Why do I not hear it when I'm there?

Ulster-Scots speech has been held in very low esteem for centuries and, sadly, speakers often feel ashamed to use it in the presence of outsiders: hardly surprising, because for years they have been taught that it is merely 'bad' English (a little like saying Dutch is merely 'bad German'!)

However, Scots is still used in Ulster homes in rural areas, and at local events. It is rarely used in public otherwise, though, and has died out almost entirely in towns, even those right at the heart of Ulster-Scots speaking territory (such as Ballymena or Newtownards).

Does Gaelic have any influence on Ulster-Scots?
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