It's Wales

This small book of only 80 pages is deceptive, for what Jandrell is actually offering the reader is an abundance of words and phrases which go far beyond the written page. Jandrell quite obviously enjoys the eccentricity of his native language, in particular its accents and dialect. His background is varied. Born in Cwmcarn in South Wales, he taught at a comprehensive school (always an enlightening experience), spent some years in Adult Literacy, and then worked in management within the steel industry before becoming a lecturer at Ystrad Mynach College. In Welsh Valleys Humour he explores and shares what he describes as ?Valley speak?, giving the reader an insight not only into valley humour but also into the culture of the region. Not an easy task, as we are all aware how very individual our perspective of humour and language is. However, as Jandrell devotes his first chapter to an amusing introduction to valley speak, we become fascinated and wish to learn more. Chapter 2 is headed ?A Rough Guide to Valley Speak Grammar? and includes a number of endearing case studies. We begin to chuckle and continue to do so throughout the remaining four sections. ?Now that you?ve had an introduction to the art of ?talking valley?, do you think you?d be able to get by?? With obvious tongue in cheek, Jandrell continues his summing up: 'You may even, depending on how adaptable you are, be able to pass yourself off as a valley person.? Welsh Valley Humour, with its foreword by Ronnie Barker and hilarious cartoons by Stuart Szymanski, is in my opinion a fun and funny book, and highly representative of this intriguing area of Britain; just the gift for a favourite uncle to dip into when he feels in need of spiritual uplift ?metaphorically speaking?! -- Norma Penfold @ www.gwales.com