Languages of the Bailiwick of Guernsey Languages of the Bailiwick of Guernsey The linguistic situation of the Bailiwick of Guernsey is quite similar to that of Jersey, the other Bailiwick in the Channel Islands. English is the official language, French is used for administration, there are several varieties of Norman language used by a minority of the population, and Portuguese is spoken by immigrants in the workforce. English is one of the official languages and the only dominant language in the Islands. Its status is mainly a product of the last century, and some 200 years ago, very few people in the Channel Islands spoke that
Culture of Guernsey 19th-century novelty dance which also remains popular with costumed folklore groups in various parts of Europe. Some traditional folk songs such as "Jean, Gros Jean" and "J'ai perdu ma faumme" have survived. Groups such as "La Guaine du Vouêt" and "Les Dànsaeurs dé L'Assembllaïe D'Guernésiais" perform at events such as "Lé Viaer Marchi". According to Edith Carey (1903), the traditional "chifournie" had disappeared from Guernsey by the mid-nineteenth century. John Ireland settled for a time in Guernsey. Recently, Guernsey has hosted a live music event called Guernsey Live. This music festival has been one of the biggest events in the