Posted by Peter Ceresole on October 19, 2003 at 13:57:33 from 80.177.22.49 user PeterC.
In Reply to: Re: This has got too far from Ransome-so what's new posted by Peter H on October 19, 2003 at 12:18:04:
What I (and others) find harsh and unintelligible are some regional 'urban' accents in the UK - two that come to mind are the modern accents (and grammar) of Liverpool and Newcastle-on-Tyne. And Glasgow also. To make radio programme announcements in thick versions of these accents is just a patronising attempt to be 'right-on' and to connect with 'yoof' culture.
Hang on a bit. Where are you hearing thick versions of these accents used to make announcements on the radio? I certainly don't. I don't think it ever happens except in specific contexts, such as popular music programmes, where the accent is part of the programme. And if in that case it connects with a youth audience, there's nothing wrong with that. I'm as much of an old fart as the next person, but I feel that what you said there was grotesquely exaggerated.
There is certainly an element of exclusiveness about these accents - they are not meant to be understood - in some ways they are codes, like teenage slang.
Again, I find that an absolutely extraordinary statement. They are not codes. They are the way that hundreds of thousands of people express themselves, because that is the way they were brought up to speak. To say that someone from Clydeside is speaking in a language that's not meant to be understood is a dreadful, ignorant dismissal of an important culture within Britain. Clearly the BBC's attempt to give value to regional accents is well overdue, and should be vigorously pursued.
You are, however, right about one thing. Charlotte Green is a national treasure.