| Ref No | MS 4000/5/1/18/7 |
| Title | Sound recording of interview of Thomas Acton, a Romany linguist of Nuffield College, Oxford discussing the Romany language and culture. Tape 1 |
| Level | File |
| Date | 14 April 1970 |
| Description | Recording of interview by Charles Parker of Thomas Acton (TA) discussing the Romany language and culture
Track 1: Duration (min/sec): 1.29 Description of track: Start to tape; introduction to tape by Charles Parker
Track 2: Duration (min/sec): 5.11 Description of track: TA talks about the Romany language one of a group of North Indian languages derived from Sanskrit
Track 3: Duration (min/sec): 6.51 Description of track: TA talks about the accusation of 'half bloodedness' and the importance of being a full blooded 'gypsy'; use of the term 'didakoi'; use of archaisms; mixed dialects
Track 4: Duration (min/sec): 7.15 Description of track: TA talks about the different Romany dialects and their treatment by linguists
Track 5: Duration (min/sec): 2.55 Description of track: TA talks about the strong Jewish influence in eastern Cockney parts of London and Yiddish speech characteristics in the Cockney vernacular
Track 6: Duration (min/sec): 0.11 Description of track: Loud feedback at beginning of track
Track 7: Duration (min/sec): 2.29 Description of track: TA talks about different religious and political stances of 'gypsies' in Europe with Pentecostal, Roman Catholic and Nationalist; describes very small signs of emergent nationalism and desire for literacy amongst 'gypsies' in England
Track 8: Duration (min/sec): 3.07 Description of track: continues talking about development of these ideas in England and the Gypsy Council which was created 4 years ago; talks about the Gypsy Council and their work
Track 9: Duration (min/sec): 2.50 Description of track: TA not believe that 'gypsies' become too demoralised with exception of those in Hampshire and describes their treatment in that county; never considered themselves as second class citizens but are 'ethno centric'
Total duration: (min/sec): 32.18 |
| Related Material | See CD recording of the eighth radio ballad 'The Travelling People' originally transmitted on the BBC Home Service in April 1964. Accompanying written production documentation on the radio ballad is at MS 4000/2/97. For West Midlands Gypsy Liaison Group (WMGLG) written material see MS 4000/1/8/19 |
| Physical Description | Listening copy: 1 x CD-R serial number NF220 T094 0474
Original tape:
Size: 5" tape reel
Gauge: 1/4" tape (0.625cm)
Speed: 7.5ips (19cm/s);
EQ Curve used: IEC
Track configuration: Half Track Mono
Dubbing Date: 01/03
Notes: Loud feedback Track 6 |
| Access Status | Open |
| Language | English |