Borrow (George Henry) “Vocabulary of the Gypsy language as spoken in Hungary and Transylvania, compiled during an intercourse of some months with the Gypsies of those parts in the year 1844”.

Description

2 notebooks containing manuscript (handwritten) transcription of Borrow's 24 sheet manuscript titled, " “Vocabulary of the Gypsy language as spoken in Hungary and Transylvania, compiled during an intercourse of some months with the Gypsies of those parts in the year 1844”.


Transcription is by M. Eileen Lyster. (undated)


A- Z of vocabulary is followed by a list of numerals, one of Sanskrit numerals, some notes on English surnames and the Lord’s Prayer and some sentences in Hungarian Romani.


Vol 1, (A-M) Vol 2, (M-Z)

Physical characteristics

Measurement details: 2 vols. 202 x 164 mm

Provenance

There is a note to the rear of volume 2 about the original manuscript, (which it says was inscribed, "Purchase of Miss C. Millar, 13 June 1892." The original (1962) Romany catalogue suggested that the original manuscript was in the British Museum, ( however this may no longer be the case).

Access and usage

Reproduction

Access

This collection is subject to various access conditions. Please see individual catalogue descriptions for further details on access.

The catalogue titles or descriptions in this collection may contain terminology and phrases that would now be considered unacceptable. Where present these original terms continue to be included to preserve historical accuracy and provide social and historical context.

Notes on terminology and spellings

 

Please note that there may be differences in the terms used to describe the particular communities represented in this collection, many of which have changed over time and may continue to change.

 

At the time this catalogue was created there are many definitions that identify different cultural and ethnic groups with their varied histories, traditions and associations with a travelling life.

 

These can include but are not limited to  those that have been recognised in UK law as ethnic groups; English and Welsh (Romany) Gypsies, Irish and Scottish Travellers; and non-ethnic groups that consider themselves distinct even if these have not been recognised in UK law, e.g. New Travellers, Showmen and Bargees. Outside of the UK 'Gypsy' may also be considered offensive  and ‘Roma’ is often used instead as the universally preferred term although this term also represents a wide range of distinct groups, (e.g. Sinti, Manouche).

 

It is our intention to respectfully and (where possible) accurately refer to these different communities in the catalogue. For this reason we ask you to note the following with regards to the descriptions in this catalogue that have been based on these current definitions:

 

1)  As many of these definitions have only come into being since the collection was created/1st catalogued, please be aware that original descriptions may not accurately reflect the group to which it refers, (e.g. the word 'Gypsy,' may have been used to describe those now recognised as Irish Travellers/Roma).  Therefore it is worth searching under various terms, e.g. 'Romany' and 'Traveller,' to broaden the scope of search results as well as using the alternative historical spellings, 'Gipsy,' 'Gipsie,' or ‘Romani.’

2) Where no original description exists and it is not possible to properly identify a distinct group they will be described as "Gypsy Traveller" (within UK setting), "Roma" for those living/recently originating outside the UK or "Gypsy, Traveller, Roma " for origin/locations unknown. References to any non - ethnic groups will similarly be capitalised to respectfully acknowledge all groups.

Users are advised that the content in this collection may include accounts of discrimination and the expression of opinions and/or terminology that would now be considered unacceptable.

Some parts of this collection are in copyright. Photocopies or digital images of the material in copyright can be supplied for private study purposes only. It is the responsibility of the researcher to obtain the copyright holder’s permission for reproduction of copyright material for purposes other than research or private study. Guidance is available on tracing copyright status and ownership.

Physical and technical conditions

Both volumes are written in , "The Museum Notebook" (with a picture of the British Museum on the front). Produced by, " Clarke & Davies, Fancy & Commercial Stationers & Photographic Publishers , 38 Museum St, W.C"


In pen is written, "The Hon. Secretary of the Gypsy Lore Society, University Library, Liverpool."

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