If you are visiting the Isle of Man from the UK or Ireland you will notice numerous differences between the Isle of Man and the surrounding islands. In this section you will find some interesting facts about some of the most apparent differences.
The Manx Language
Manx is one of six Celtic languages, the others being Irish, Scots Gaelic, Welsh, Breton and Cornish. These languages divide into two branches, called Goidelic (Manx, Scots Gaelic and Irish) and Brythonic (Welsh, Breton and Cornish). A Brythonic language was spoken in the Island before Gaelic; it was not until about 500 AD that Gaelic came here, probably with Irish invaders.
Up until the 1800s English would have been a foreign language to most Manx people, although it would be used for trade and administration purposes. However, due to economic, social and political pressures, the language suffered an enormous decline, to such an extent that by 1961 only 165 people claimed to speak the language. However, by the time the last native speaker of Manx, Ned Maddrell, died in 1974, a revival in interest had begun. This interest has recently gathered pace and there is growing awareness of the great cultural legacy that the language has to offer to all those people who now call the Island their home. Moreover, the success of Manx here will, we trust, lead to our Island playing an increasingly important role in global efforts to protect minority languages.
During your visit you may see or hear the following phrases or place names;
For information about any aspect of the language please contact the Manx Language Officer (Yn Greinneyder) of the Manx Heritage Foundation at greinneyder@mhf.org.im or on 01624 838527.
Currency
During your visit, you will no doubt receive Manx currency. Whilst the currency of the Isle of Man is sterling, the island has its own notes and coinage. You may wish to change any Manx notes or coins back before returning to the UK as although it is sterling, many banks and shops in the UK will not accept it. Money can be changed at any bank or post office. Please note that most cash machines in the island dispense Manx notes but English notes are dispensed from the ATM situated outside the Sea Terminal and in the foyer of the Airport. Have a close look at your Manx coins and notes as each one features subjects pertinent to the island. For further information telephone 685622 or visit the Isle of Man Treasury , Government Offices, Bucks Road, Douglas.
A selection of Manx notes and coins
Stamps
The Isle of Man Post Office is totally independent of the UK Post Office and therefore the Isle of Man has its own stamps. To send a letter or post card to the UK costs 31 pence. Manx stamp presentation packs and gifts can be purchased from the Philatelic Bureau in the main Post Office in Regent Street. Phone 698430, e-mail stamps@iompost.com or visit www.iompost.com
The Regent Street branch is open Monday to Friday 9.00 am to 5.30pm and Saturdays 9.00am to 12.30pm.
Tynwald, the House of Keys and the Manx Government
The Isle of Man is part of the British Isles; it is not however within the United Kingdom but it is a Crown Dependency and The Queen has the title Lord of Mann. It has its own legislative assembly, called Tynwald, which was set up by the Vikings over a thousand years ago. The name Tynwald comes from the Norse word 'tingvollr' meaning assembly field.
The Manx Parliament, Tynwald, is made up of two tiers; the Legislative Council comprising eight members (MLCs) and two ex-officio members, the Lord Bishop and the Attorney General and is presided over by The President of Tynwald. The second tier is called the House of Keys and comprises of 24 members (MHKs) representing 15 constituencies. It is lead by The Speaker of the House of Keys.
Tynwald comprises the House of Keys and the Legislative Council when sitting together publicly in either the Tynwald Chamber on Bucks Road in Douglas or on Manx National Day on Tynwald Hill at St. Johns.
Tynwald has the power to legislate on all domestic subjects but the UK is still responsible for the Island's defence and civil aviation and in international law, the UK is responsible for the Island's external relations.
National Identity - the national emblem of the Isle of Man is the Three Legs of Mann and the flag of the Isle of Man is the Three Legs on a red background. This emblem can be seen all over the place, not just on flags, but on Government crests, company logos, buildings and structures, stamps and coinage. Try and count how many times you see the emblem.
Bank Holidays - Compared to the UK, the Isle of Man has two extra bank holidays, one on the 5th July which is Manx National Day when Tynwald sits at an open air ceremony at Tynwald Hill in St Johns, and one on Senior TT Race Day in June.
Car Registration - the Isle of Man has its own vehicle licensing system and registration numbers include the letters MAN or MN. Vehicles can also display the international abbreviation GBM which stands for Great Britain - Man.
White Helmets - Members of the Isle of Man Constabulary wear something distinctively different to their UK counterparts and that is white helmets instead of black. They used to be part of the summer uniform only, returning to black helmets in winter, but nowadays they are worn all year round. Do you know the origin of the white police helmet? If so, let us know.
Manx Cats - A singular and distinctive breed of cat exists on the Island that has no tail. It is not entirely sure how the breed evolved and there are many stories and legends about how they came about but the tailless feature is the result of a dominant gene mutation. Some are completely tailless ('rumpies') some have a small rise at the end of the spine ('risers') and some have a very short length of tail ('stumpies'). See if you can spot any on your visit.
The tailless Manx Cat
Loaghtan Sheep - A four horned breed of sheep also unique to Isle of Man.
