Accents

British regional accents are as distinct as a New Jerseyite from a Georgian, and even on a more local level similar to Missippian from Georgian. I have been playing a silent mental game, analyzing accents then asking individuals where they are from when the setting is more social than business.

My primary host here is named Iain and is from Glasgow. He has an obvious Scottish accent. I have spent most of my time here with him, and having hosted him in Georgia several times I have finally gotten to where I can understand most of what he says without an interpreter. Yesterday Garret joined us, and I studied his accent and thought he sounded Scottish as well but somehow different. Finally at dinner last night I fessed up to my interest in regional accents and asked Garret where he was from. I thought he sounded Scottish, but somehow different than Iain. Before Garret could answer Iain blurted out

"Ooooh 'ell, e's from Aidnbur(Edinborough). In Aidnbur they talk with the back of their noooses instead of their vooocal cords."

To which Garret replied "Beats the 'ell oota hockin your woords an spittin'em oot"

The funny thing is, each perfectly described the others voice.

Today I spent a lot of time with Tim, the quality control manager. His was a higher pitched sound, almost like speaking is an effort, but otherwise clear and easy to understand. I also noticed some of the technicians had a similar accent, and they talked almost sing-songy. I figured that since many of the technicians had this high-pitched tone it must be immediately local. At lunch today I asked Tim where he was from.

"West Bromwich" he replied.

Iain chimed in "Doodent e sound like Robert Plant, eh?"

To which I said "absolutely, like in Immigrant Song. Same with some of your technicians"

Tim replied "Yes, well Bobby's from West Bromwich. He still frequents the pub where he played many years ago. I've had a beer with him. He's a nice guy, but all those years of hard living have slowed down the old mental reflexes, know what I mean?"

Then Iain said "Yeah- he lives in Ooolverhmptn (spelled Wolverhampton) now"

The company I am visiting is in Oldbury. Click the link to see the geographical relationship of all this.
http://www.mapquest.com/maps/map.adp?formtype=address&country=GB&addtohistory=&address=&city=west+bromwich&zipcode=


Who'd a thunk it, that regional accent could affect not just inflection but include a whiny pitch.