The English Gipsies and Their Language

Name: The English Gipsies and Their Language
Author: Charles Godfrey Leland

By Charles Godfrey Leland

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About This Book

A field study compiles firsthand Romany–English vocabulary, dictated letters, dialogues, and short Gudli tales collected orally from travellers and camps, together with ethnographic observations of customs such as burial rites, trading practices, fortune-telling, and cock-shying. The author presents original language samples and translations, anecdotal narratives illustrating daily life and beliefs, and a discussion of Romany words found in English speech. Linguistic comments argue that many lexical items preserve connections with Indian sources despite grammatical erosion. The work emphasizes direct oral collection and aims to present authentic speech and cultural detail rather than literary reconstruction.

About the Author

Charles Godfrey Leland

Charles Godfrey Leland was an American author, folklorist, and humorist, known for his diverse contributions to literature and culture in the 19th century. He is particularly recognized for his works on folklore and the Romani culture, as seen in titles like "The English Gipsies and Their Language" and "Gypsy Sorcery and Fortune Telling." Leland also explored themes of American history and mythology, notably in "Abraham Lincoln and the Abolition of Slavery in the United States." His literary style often blended humor with a deep appreciation for the oral traditions of various cultures, making him a unique figure in American literary heritage.