Last Updated: Monday, February 15, 2021

Features of Scots

What is this?

​This resource introduces learners to the linguistic features of contemporary Scots language. It includes examples from conversation, song and literature and links to examples for each.

Who is this for?

​This resource is for practitioners who wish to learn more about the features of Scots language, particularly those teaching Scots in the senior phase.

The resource is also for learners working on the History and Development unit of the Scots Language Award.

Download(s)

PDF file: Features of Scots (303 KB)

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How to use this learning and assessment resource to improve practice

Both the SQA Scots Language Award and Scottish Studies Award have seen increased uptake since being launched:
- Has your school considered offering either Award to learners?

Scots has a vast vocabulary, unique history, unique features of grammar, and a wonderful literature. It has a range of features and sounds that are never used in English, as well as some 60,000 unique words and expressions.
- Which features of Scots are used by learners or members of your community are unique from English?

Including Scots as part of Curriculum for Excellence can help motivate some learners and their families by showing them that the language they use at home is valued:
-  Have you explored how using Scots in learning settings can often improve learners’ engagement and attainment?

The ‘3-18 Literacy and English Review’ recognises that Scots can make a strong contribution to the development of children’s and young people’s literacy skills.
-  Have you explored how learning Scots can often improve your learners’ development of their wider literacy skills?