Praefectus Praetorio
R.I.P. Brother of the Quill
Some readers have privately expressed their difficulty in following the broader Scots used by various characters in this novelette. It would, of course, be possible to simply render all in plain American English.
However, the author believes there is value in authenticity. These are the sounds and words of the lilting tongue that Alex encountered in the Lowlands. “It's the langage that feels sort of 'reet' tae me.”
For support in this choice, I appeal to the words of the great exemplar of Scottish poetry in the vernacular, Robert Burns.
There is a naivete, a pastoral simplicity, in a slight inter-mixture of Scots words and phraseology, which is more in unison (at least to my taste, and, I will add, to every genuine Caledonian) with the simple pathos, or rustic sprightliness, of our native music, than any English Verses whatever.
However, the author believes there is value in authenticity. These are the sounds and words of the lilting tongue that Alex encountered in the Lowlands. “It's the langage that feels sort of 'reet' tae me.”
For support in this choice, I appeal to the words of the great exemplar of Scottish poetry in the vernacular, Robert Burns.
There is a naivete, a pastoral simplicity, in a slight inter-mixture of Scots words and phraseology, which is more in unison (at least to my taste, and, I will add, to every genuine Caledonian) with the simple pathos, or rustic sprightliness, of our native music, than any English Verses whatever.