Alright? Haa’s it diddlin’? What’s the craic?
Hello!
From shwmae to salutations to ’sup, there are countless ways to greet people in the UK. We may be one sovereign state, but each county has its own unique vocabulary. However, regional dialects are increasingly under threat. Wonderful words like chackpie (which means a ‘telling-off’ in Cornwall) and chuddy (a Northern synonym for chewing gum) are at risk of phasing out of existence.
So, should we care? Of course we should! Just as we would save an endangered species, so too we must rescue dialects on the brink of extinction.
Unfortunately, various modern phenomena have homogenised language, leading to a greater number of Brits adopting a similar style of speaking. Experts have surmised that mass migration within the UK during World War II, when children from London were evacuated to less urbanised areas, coupled with the popularity of TV shows like EastEnders, which are set in the capital, has exposed more people to the dialect of South-West England.
This, in turn, has diluted all other accents across the UK, bar Glasgow. Worryingly, linguists predict that by 2030, there will be significantly less diversity in the way that people talk in England. Some argue that this is a good thing. On the most basic level, speaking similarly makes it easier for people to understand each other. And, having a de facto standard English means less fuss for exam boards when assessing pupils. That’s why the Queen’s English has become ingrained in the national curriculum.
God Save the Queen’s English?
English Language GCSE is a compulsory qualification, which marks students based on their ability to write articulately, in addition to spelling, grammar and punctuation. Those who use colloquialisms or local dialect face being penalised. Worst-case scenario, they could fail their exam. This would drastically affect their employment prospects, as passing the English Language GCSE is a basic requirement for almost all professional routes in the UK, from studying at university to getting a job.
The ability to communicate in standard English isn’t a guarantee of professional success, nor a fast track to having a cushy life, but it remains extremely advantageous. From writing a more eloquent CV to collaborating with global colleagues, the uses of the Queen’s English in a workplace setting are endless. And, with accent bias potentially clouding employers’ judgment, do people with a regional twang have any choice but to change the way they speak? It’s not ideal, but to some extent, losing local dialects aids social mobility.
A 2023 study found that 28 per cent of employees tone down their accent to fit in at work, as well as access higher earnings, climb the corporate ladder and improve job security. Even Lincolnshire-born Margaret Thatcher took great pains to adopt a posher, more authoritative tone when she rose to power. If a prime minister felt the need to alter their accent, what hope is there for ordinary workers?
In a world full of prejudice, learning to ‘fit in’ linguistically can help us to be judged on the merits of our skills, rather than the sound and specifics of our accent.
The usefulness of standard English is undeniable. So, when schools in Wales refuse to teach the language in a bid to bolster young people’s use of Welsh, you can’t help but feel that they are cruelly denying young people the chance to learn a crucial skill — one that could improve their prospects. It seems counterintuitive that an institution dedicated to nurturing the next generation would make a decision that puts Wales’ youth at a significant disadvantage.
Besides, language is constantly evolving. If local dialects can’t keep up with the times, then some would argue that they deserve to become extinct. But if they die, a piece of our heritage perishes with them.
Fighting Homogenisation
Regional dialects are the lifeblood of local communities. They are a thread in the UK’s rich cultural tapestry, and an intrinsic part of its past, present and future. If we maintain ancient landmarks and observe centuries-old traditions, if we conserve bygone crops and respect historic craftsmanship and recipes, then we must also protect language, in all its forms. Luckily, efforts have been made to do just that.
From localised projects like Manchester Voices (2019-22), which analysed different accents within each of Greater Manchester’s constituencies, to large-scale initiatives like The Dialect and Heritage Project (2020-23), which digitised vast collections of dialects from across the UK, organisations are going to great lengths to catalogue the way that we speak. In some ways, this might feel akin to admitting defeat. Instead of focusing on recording regional dialects and essentially consigning them to history, why not invest in keeping them alive in the real world? That’s why local communities are taking matters into their own hands to preserve their region’s heritage.
Grassroots projects, such as Friends of Norfolk Dialect (FOND), are key to fighting against linguistic homogenisation. Founded in 1999, the group is dedicated to keeping Broad Norfolk alive.
‘By preserving a dialect, we are preserving the cultural heritage and rich history and traditions of an area,’ says Diana Rackham, Chairman of FOND. ‘We are also helping to maintain part of the identity of a place and encourage those who live here to feel a sense of belonging.’
The group spearhead numerous projects, such as publishing a quarterly newsletter to familiarise members with the dialect, assisting TV and film producers to depict the Norfolk accent accurately, and even holding an annual Panto. However, engaging children and young adults to ensure that the dialect lasts at least another generation is a top priority.
‘We work with young people through school visits, YouTube videos and by encouraging generations to mix and share stories in their local accents,’ Rackham adds.
As renowned linguist Rosina Lippi-Green argues, all dialects are equally valid. There is no one particular way of speaking that should be viewed as more ‘proper’ or ‘correct’ than another. Whilst we must all learn standard English, received pronunciation should be embraced alongside regional quirks, not replace them.
It may take a village to raise a child, but it would take a county — maybe even an entire nation — to revive a dialect.
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