Race against time to record the language spoken by William the Conqueror before it dies out

The race is on to chronicle the Norman language before it slips into extinction.

A Cambridge University linguist is now studying the dialects of the Channel Islands - one of the last enclaves of Norman French - to ensure it is recorded for posterity.

Native dialects of the language spoken by William the Conquerer are still used by around 3,000 people on the islands.

On Sark they are estimated to number 20, on Guernsey 1,000 and on Jersey 2,000. The dialects on all three islands are distinct.

The language - which is also used in parts of Normandy - is now not spoken fluently by anyone under the age of 30 and is expected to disappear within a generation.

Dr Mari Jones, a leading linguist from Cambridge University, is attempting to preserve the language for the benefit of future generations.    Full Read