As somebody with a non-Manchester accent I have occasionally been referred to as 'well-spoken', 'posh', and even 'southern' (neither of which are true). But the general theme is that my accent is 'better' than those of Manchester people (again, not true), and I guess that it works very much in my favour.
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I grew up in Timperley, and have a fairly bland middle-class south Manchester accent. When I worked in a coffee shop in Altrincham prior to going to university I was referred to as posh because the people I worked with from Broadheath and Wythenshawe had more stereotypically 'Manc' accents. When I subsequently moved to London everyone told me that my accent suggested I'd been dragged up in a hovel. What it taught me is that it's all relative, and people's response to your accent says as much about them as it does about you.
I pretty much agree with the contributions made and as has been said some accents do give the impression that the person is a bit dim - I'd better not be more specific - which of course is frequently merely an impression not a fact!
There are some accents that are "nicer" than others or maybe more "acceptable" perhaps and without wishing to stir it a strong Liverpool accent is pretty unpleasant although a very strong Mancunian accent isn't entirely easy on the ear either.
I was once given to believe that advertisers used to like the soft tone and clear English of people from Inverness, although not any more apparently.
I used to work with a lad from Bolton who had a good degree from Manchester University and was certainly very bright but I could see why someone from the Home Counties might think he wasn't too clever as his accent wasn't a plus for him.
This was only intended as a bit of fun to lighten the generally depressing nature of the world today but I get the feeling that even now if you don't have the "right" accent there are those only too quick to jump to the wrong conclusions.
There are some accents that are "nicer" than others or maybe more "acceptable" perhaps and without wishing to stir it a strong Liverpool accent is pretty unpleasant although a very strong Mancunian accent isn't entirely easy on the ear either.
I was once given to believe that advertisers used to like the soft tone and clear English of people from Inverness, although not any more apparently.
I used to work with a lad from Bolton who had a good degree from Manchester University and was certainly very bright but I could see why someone from the Home Counties might think he wasn't too clever as his accent wasn't a plus for him.
This was only intended as a bit of fun to lighten the generally depressing nature of the world today but I get the feeling that even now if you don't have the "right" accent there are those only too quick to jump to the wrong conclusions.
My feeling is that accents have become much more accentuated in recent decades - certainly in urban areas. It is as if accent has become a badge of identity amongst certain demographics. In London, even many young white people speak with a black ‘street' accent, for example; and ‘estuary’ english spread out into the home counties quite some time ago. I also think popular soap operas have spread certain local dialectical words into the broader population. For example, I’m pretty sure, “ It’s all kicking off...” originated in Liverpool - and spread with the popularity of Brookside.
You mention that harsh type of Liverpool accent above, and I’d agree it is not very pleasant. The roots of the Liverpool accent originate in a combination of Lancastrian, Irish and Welsh sounds and inflections. Growing up in Liverpool I was not aware of anyone speaking in that harsh, exaggerated way, though - it was always a lot softer. Most of the adults I knew sounded more like the Beatles than Paul O’Grady ( he’s from Birkenhead; but then so is Paul Hollywood and his accent is not so harsh).
My family moved down to Buckinghamshire in the early 1980s, when I was 16, and people would ask me where I was from; “ somewhere up North, or maybe Ireland”. People had the image of people running between each others' terraced houses, borrowing cups of sugar.
Over the years I’ve lived in different areas of the country - and when living in Scotland I was often acutely aware that my accent was ‘English’. This was often uncomfortable. I’d feel I was part of the oppressive colonial force. My husband’s family all speak with ‘posh' southern accents; very middle class - and I’ve always been aware of my ‘difference' in family & social situations. But then coming back up to Liverpool my accent is seen as being posh by some.
There is definitely prejudice against regional accents & dialects, with people speaking with them being perceived as being of lower social status; although some accents - soft Irish and Scottish accents do not carry this stigma.
To my ear I can’t really tell the difference between the various ‘northern’ accents ( except for Geordie), including the various Mancunian accents and Leeds/Yorkshire accents. They all sound like a continuum of the same sort of sound. And sometimes even mild Manchester accents can sound like a mild Liverpool accent to my ear.
When living elsewhere, I’d always get a warm feel on hearing a soft Liverpool accent on the phone. Friendly and familiar.
You mention that harsh type of Liverpool accent above, and I’d agree it is not very pleasant. The roots of the Liverpool accent originate in a combination of Lancastrian, Irish and Welsh sounds and inflections. Growing up in Liverpool I was not aware of anyone speaking in that harsh, exaggerated way, though - it was always a lot softer. Most of the adults I knew sounded more like the Beatles than Paul O’Grady ( he’s from Birkenhead; but then so is Paul Hollywood and his accent is not so harsh).
My family moved down to Buckinghamshire in the early 1980s, when I was 16, and people would ask me where I was from; “ somewhere up North, or maybe Ireland”. People had the image of people running between each others' terraced houses, borrowing cups of sugar.
Over the years I’ve lived in different areas of the country - and when living in Scotland I was often acutely aware that my accent was ‘English’. This was often uncomfortable. I’d feel I was part of the oppressive colonial force. My husband’s family all speak with ‘posh' southern accents; very middle class - and I’ve always been aware of my ‘difference' in family & social situations. But then coming back up to Liverpool my accent is seen as being posh by some.
There is definitely prejudice against regional accents & dialects, with people speaking with them being perceived as being of lower social status; although some accents - soft Irish and Scottish accents do not carry this stigma.
To my ear I can’t really tell the difference between the various ‘northern’ accents ( except for Geordie), including the various Mancunian accents and Leeds/Yorkshire accents. They all sound like a continuum of the same sort of sound. And sometimes even mild Manchester accents can sound like a mild Liverpool accent to my ear.
When living elsewhere, I’d always get a warm feel on hearing a soft Liverpool accent on the phone. Friendly and familiar.
I agree with Jane about the modern day Liverpool accent it seems much harsher and unattractive by comparison with say 50 years ago.
I often wonder if other countries have so many regional variations in their language as England, we are after all a comparatively small country, I imagine they must.
Within a few miles radius of central Manchester you hear accents quite distinct from one another it's what makes us interesting.
I often wonder if other countries have so many regional variations in their language as England, we are after all a comparatively small country, I imagine they must.
Within a few miles radius of central Manchester you hear accents quite distinct from one another it's what makes us interesting.
There are a number of Liverpool accents - quite a range, in fact. From the harsh to the melodious. I always find it amusing, but irritating also, when people say “ Oh, you don’t sound as if you’re from Liverpool”; as if in people’s imaginations everyone in the city must speak with a comical, stereotyped ‘scouser’ accent. It goes along with, most likely, the perception that northern cities are all 'working class cities’. As if there is no middle class; that nobody is educated or living in affluent conditions.I agree with Jane about the modern day Liverpool accent it seems much harsher and unattractive by comparison with say 50 years ago.
I often wonder if other countries have so many regional variations in their language as England, we are after all a comparatively small country, I imagine they must.
Within a few miles radius of central Manchester you hear accents quite distinct from one another it's what makes us interesting.
As I understand it there is no obvious variation in the Australian accent across the country; although a Perth one is quite distinct?
The Liverpool accent, when exaggerated, is very identifiable, but the same cannot be said of the Manchester accent. I’m not entirely convinced I could identify a Manchester accent if presented with one. I’m getting a little better at identifying recently. I use Gary Neville’s or Liam Gallagher's voices as a template for comparison. :lol:
But honestly cannot easily or definitely differentiate between a Manchester, Bolton, Bury, Preston, Rochdale ( Lisa Stansfield), and even a Leeds/Yorkshire accent. They all sound generically ‘northern’ to my ears. I think I could identify a strong Wigan accent though, as I used to work with someone who had a very strong Wigan accent. I could never quite get over it, if I’m honest.
I associate Lancashire accents with comedians too. The Chuckle Brothers....Les Dawson...Paul Calf
( 'Three fights, Two Weddings and A Funeral'). It’s a bit of a stereotype, but I think Lancashire people have a natural sense of humour, and great comic timing.You can't tell the difference between a Leeds and a Manc accent?
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