For many reasons this is not a compete dictionary of translated Shelta terms, but simply a gathering and selection of words that have slipped from the lips of the Irish Pavee, and have found a more universal acceptance among the wide diversity that exists within the language, and the tradition that they have a safe abode within.
All words shared here have only being approved after having found a present alliance with those that use the language, although this does not encompass the past presence of the tongue it is a more realistic and truthful glimpse into the constantly evolving and adapting creation that is Shelta.
While researching this aspect of the Tradition I encountered both a wall of silence from both personal corespondents and many culturally active organisations that exist within the community.
Thankfully this was far from a universal trend but certainly a common enough event that it needs a brief discussion within the template of this work.
There was in part a loud calling for such discoveries and works to be set aside, as to open up the language to a wider voice would rob it of its use's and virtue as being a largely unknown form of communication.
To those that voiced their opinions and genuine concerns so strongly, three things must be noted:
1.There are no words within this book that cannot be located and sourced through already existing means.
2.No culture exists isolated and independent unto itself. While of course having pride in the legacy from which many come from is no excuse for the divulging of personal and communal “secrets”; the ideals of ownership are somewhat misplaced. What little exists within the pages of this book is not only of kinship with the Irish Traveller Pavee tradition, but that of the Irish and Celtic traditions are a whole.
3.I sincerely hope that this is one of many revival works that are stirring within the community and echos a hunger found in the threads of this forum. For there is both a deep need to salvage and restore the traditions to a active and dynamic state, and to do so will take the combined effort of many of it's members. Critique such work as you will, it is never the less one of many cravings to not only remember who and what the Irish Pavee is, but an aspect the age old hunger to belong, not only to the larger community but each other.
Hanu Fein
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