comment on language / style

The most distinctive aspect of the novel’s language is its use of Scots dialect. The use of this dialect furthers the novel’s theme of history by connecting its characters and narrator to an old way of speaking that was gradually dying out at the time when the novel was set. There is tension throughout the novel – and, indeed, throughout Scottish history – between Scotland and England, with Scotland representing tradition, history, and community values in the novel and England representing progress, the future, and a focus on profit rather than people. Although many in Kinraddie bemoan the growing influence of the English language over people who grew up speaking Scots dialect, Chae Strachan argues that it is necessary for young people to adapt to new language use in order to make the most of out of their opportunities in life.