English Gypsy Language: World Book of the Romany

by George Borrow

George Henry Borrow was an English author who wrote novels and travelogues based on his own experiences around Europe. Over the course of his wanderings, he developed a close affinity with the Romani people. This book looks at English Gypsy language.

Genres: Reference, Language

Paperback

First published January 1, 1909

About the author

George Henry Borrow was an English author who wrote novels and travelogues based on his own experiences traveling around Europe. Over the course of his wanderings, he developed a close affinity with the Romani people of Europe, who figure prominently in his work. His best known books are The Bible in Spain (1843), the autobiographical Lavengro (1851), and The Romany Rye (1857), about his time with the English Romanichal (gypsies).

Reviews

[Ruth · Rating 3 out of 5]

It is an interesting study of the language and vernacular but his attitudes are… shall we say rather dated. Offensive might be another word one could choose.

[Steven · Rating 4 out of 5]

It's a curious little book; it is not a comprehensive look at the language but a strange miscellany of translations, songs, prayers, etymologies, scams, etc. If you are someone who would be interested to know that the English Gypsy language lacks infinitives, that the surname "Stanley" was mistranslated as "sit down," or that Oxford was referred to as "Lil-engreskey grav" (Book fellows' town), then check this book out. If you are not interested in that sort of thing, there's no reason to pick up this book, and that won't hurt my feelings. For me, it was perhaps the best $2.99 I ever spent.

[Fredrick Danysh · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is a study of the English version of the Romany or gypsy as it pertains to Great Britain. Some terms are given with their meanings as are examples of songs, sayings, and prayers. Naming procedures are also discussed.