-As late as 1894, there were people in Foula who could repeat sentences in Norn, as I myself had the opportunity of hearing. The last man in Unst who is said to have been able to speak Norn, Walter Sutherland from Skaw, died about 1850. In Foula, on the other hand, men who were living very much later than the middle of the present century are said to have been able to speak Norn
Jakob Jakobsen
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UoGGrqWJFeo&feature=player_em bedded
NORSE ORTHOGRAPHY:
Stærka værna vestalige
Obadeea, obadeea
Stærka værna vestalige
Obadeea menni
Stala, stoita, stanga,ræra
Hvat say du da bunshka bæra
Hvat say du da bunnska bæra
Litera mae við drengi
Signa papa våra
Obadeea, obadeea
Signa papa våra
Obadeea menni
ENGLISH TRANSLATION:
Strong wind form the Wester
Trouble Trouble
Strong wind from the Wester
Trouble men
Put in order, brace up the mast and yards
oh what say you boat (Da Bunshka Bear is literally "the boat that will carry her sail")
Oh what say you boat
I'm pleased with that boys
Bless us our father
Trouble Trouble
Bless us our father
Trouble men.
ENGLISH TRANSLATION2:
Stronger wind comes from the wester
Curse the weather, curse the weather
Stronger wind comes from the wester
Curses from all us sailors!
Stow the shrouds, the yeards and sails,
The dear old ship she'll ride the gales
The dear old ship she'll ride the gales
So give her the best you can, boys
Bless the ship, almighty Father
Curse the weather, curse the weather
Bless the ship, almighty Father
Curses from all us sailors!