Some of Jersey's best known landmarks now have talking street signs in a project to promote the island's native language.

They carry QR codes which can be scanned with a smartphone to hear Jèrriais being spoken. 

Mature students studying Jersey Norman French came up with the idea of putting recordings on 15 existing Wayfinder signs.

One of the students, Laurence Curtis, told us how it came about:

“Two visitors from Normandy who needed directions in town asked me if I spoke Jèrriais as they wanted to hear and record it. That gave me the idea to look for ways to make it easier for people to hear Jèrriais around the Island, as well as being able to see it.

“I hope that the recordings will help bring Jèrriais to people who might not otherwise hear it and perhaps inspire some of them to start learning the language."

Already, Jèrriais words appear on buses, signs and government buildings, but hearing the spoken language has been much more difficult.

The Wayfinder signs include a map and information on the history of the area in English and French, as well as one panel in English and Jèrriais.

The students have collected recordings of Jèrriais speakers Jean Le Maistre, David Marrett and the late Enid de Gruchy, as well as from Colin Ireson and Jèrriais teachers Geraint Jennings and Aline Cattermole.

Scanning the QR code takes you to a website Oyez.je/jw where you will also find text of the recordings, historic photos, a French version to help visitors from France see the similarities and differences between Jèrriais and modern French.

Wayfinder sign locations:

Lé Quartchi du Hâvre – The Harbour Quarter

Les Gardîns d’la Mé - Jardin de la Mer (the seaside garden)

Lé Pèrquage - The Pèrquage / Castle Street

La Rue des Sablions - Sand Street

La Plianque Billot – Billot’s Plank

Lé Couain ès Ànes - The Donkeys Corner

La Grand’Rue - Broad Street

La Pièche de la Libéthâtion - Liberation Square

Lé Bridge - The Weighbridge

La Rue d’Driéthe - King Street/Halkett Place

Les Ruettes / The Lanes - Bath Street

La Pompe dé haut - 'The High Pump'/ Snow Hill

 La Colomb’thie - La Colomberie / ‘The Dovecot’

 Lé Hâvre des Pas - Havre des Pas / ‘Harbour of the Steps’