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Scots Language Centre Centre for the Scots Leid

Scots comedy

Over the last century Scots language comedy has been amongst the most popular forms of  cultural expression in Scotland. You only need to think about the affection people have for the Broons and Oor Wullie to understand how important a medium humour has been in maintaining Scots as a living language.

The Scots Language Centre has gathered together some of the most significant figures – both real and fictional – that have had Scots laughing in recent times. Sit yourself down on an upturned bucket and get ready for some fun as you watch and listen to the Scots comic greats during the next few weeks. 

Today we're looking at the controversial figure of  Harry Lauder. Lauder was once one of the best known people in the world. His trademark stick and bunnet were considered to be the essence of ‘Scotch-ness’. Over the decades Lauder has risen and fallen in popularity. Some people like him while others believe he represents those cultural forms which damage Scotland most. Always popular with Scots speakers Lauder’s songs were immensely influential and widely enjoyed and performed. 

Find out more by following these links.

 

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Harry_Lauder

http://special.lib.gla.ac.uk/STA/lauder/index.html

http://www.besmark.com/lauder.html