| Ref No | MS 4000/5/1/18/8 |
| Title | Sound recording of interview of Thomas Acton, a Romany linguist of Nuffield College, Oxford discussing the Irish 'tinker' language, 'gypsy' taboos, culture and the formulation of Gypsy Liaison Committees. Tape 2 |
| Level | File |
| Date | 14 April 1970 |
| Description | Recording of interview by Charles Parker of Thomas Acton (TA) discussing the Irish 'tinker' language, 'gypsy' taboos, culture and the formulation of Gypsy Liaison Committees
Track 1: Duration (min/sec): 0.19 Description of track: Start to tape
Track 2: Duration (min/sec): 5.37 Description of track: TA talks about social issues and 'gypsy' taboos as male 'gypsies' will not use the same toilets as female 'gypsies' above the age of 9 years; continues discussing 'gypsy' taboos [telephone rings]
Track 3: Duration (min/sec): 6.37 Description of track: TA discusses the black African American power movement and their equality and power struggle
Track 4: Duration (min/sec): 4.15 Description of track: TA talks of the 'Shelta/r' also known as the 'Gammon' language an old Irish 'back slang'; describes the lengthy 'gypsy' singing repertoire and songs they liked both of 'gypsy' and 'non-gypsy' origin
Track 5: Duration (min/sec): 4.49 Description of track: [loud noise at beginning of track] continue talking about 'gypsy' songs; discuss trades and work by 'gypsies'
Track 6: Duration (min/sec): 4.36 Description of track: TA talks about the Irish 'tinkers' and how similar their Celtic lifestyle and culture and economic restraints are to other 'gypsies'; puts forward argument that due to their specialised culture and economy are important part of a capitalist culture; recites rhyme
Track 7: Duration (min/sec): 1.11 Description of track: TA returns to social issues and use of toilets by 'gypsies' and consequent misunderstandings which arise between 'gypsies' and local councils
Track 8: Duration (min/sec): 4.36 Description of track: TA talks about formulation of gypsy councils and that gypsy liaison groups of 'gypsy experts' should be subservient to the 'gypsy' groups themselves; the 'gypsies' themselves must be involved in the talking for there to be any positive change
Track 9: Duration (min/sec): 1.37 Description of track: [silent track]
Total duration: (min/sec): 33.37 |
| 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 0374
Original tape:
Size: 5" tape reel
Gauge: 1/4" tape (0.625cm)
Speed: 7.5ips (19cm/s);
EQ Curve used: IEC
Track configuration: Two Track Mono
Dubbing Date: 01/03
Notes: Loud noise at beginning Track 5 |
| Access Status | Open |
| Language | English |