Open AccessMulti-Layered Communication and Function in Scottish Traveller Cant
Author(s) -
Thomas McKean
Publication year - 2021
Publication title -
traditiones - inštitut za slovensko narodopisje, ljubljana/traditiones
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.298
H-Index - 8
eISSN - 1855-6396
pISSN - 0352-0447
DOI - 10.3986/traditio2021500206
Subject(s) - narrative , context (archaeology) , wish , identity (music) , function (biology) , cover (algebra) , history , power (physics) , sociology , linguistics , genealogy , aesthetics , art , literature , anthropology , archaeology , engineering , philosophy , mechanical engineering , physics , quantum mechanics , evolutionary biology , biology
Scottish Traveller Cant, a secret cover language used for communication in small groups and families, has changed in both context and function over the last century. From being a cryptolect used entirely within the culture it has now received exposure through Traveller performance and publications. Throughout these developments, the Cant continues to be a way for Travellers to control the narrative of who they are and who they wish to be. Using songs, stories, and interactions with fieldworkers, this paper explores the power of language to define and shape identity.