bagpipes
– C1-C2 (advanced) –
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In Canadian English, this word typically refers to:
a musical instrument that produces sound from a bag of air through the use of various reeds (known as drones)
“Three Men Playing the Bagpipes” image courtesy of Bernie Andrew on Unsplash.
NOTE
The word, “bagpipes,” is often used with the definite article (i.e., “the”). In Canadian English, it can be used in the singular or plural form to refer to one instrument (i.e., “the bagpipe” or “the bagpipes”), and the plural form can take a singular or plural verb conjugation (e.g., “the bagpipes is…” or “the bagpipes are…”).
This particular instrument is commonly heard and seen in Canada in July for Canada Day and November for Remembrance Day. It may also be used in non-holiday-related national ceremonies.
EXAMPLES
“My wife’s coworker just told her that she is learning the bagpipes. She says it is a very complex instrument. So far, she has just learned how to use the chanter.”
“It is often considered an honour to play the bagpipes in a Remembrance Day ceremony. Musicians who play this instrument are called, ‘pipers.’”
“While the bagpipes is a common instrument in Canadian culture, it is also traditionally played in various other regions of the world, like in parts of Europe, Africa, the Persian Gulf, and Asia.
Have you ever heard of this instrument before? Is it played where you live? When and why is it played? Practice using this vocabulary in your response in the comments below.
