Cumbrian Dialect Article

A school in Berkshire has set a so called “target” for a Cumbrian female teacher of theirs to try and sound less Northern. After the schools recent Ofsted report, a complaint was made about the teacher’s accent, and the school bosses set out to make a hasty change, causing a humungous uproar throughout the union. I firmly and completely agree with the upset and disruption caused by this outrageous remark. The school would’ve made an informed decision upon employing the Cumbrian teacher that she is suitable for the job, and so to be criticised and humiliated about her regional accent, of which is to some extent out of her control, is in my eyes unacceptable.

Fortunately for the reputation of the school, the woman, of whom hasn’t been named to save her from being put under an embarrassing spotlight, has taken the comment lightly, brushing them off stating they are “farcical and bizarre”.  However, it is understandable that comments like this are very insulting and if taken further could be underpinned as racist; it’s no wonder the school withheld its name.

The Cumbrian dialect is local Northern English, spoken in Cumbria and surrounding dialect. Whilst clearly being an English accent approximately between Lancashire and the North-East, it shares much vocabulary with Scots.

Their general structure and wording is also very different compared to Standard English. For example, ‘about’ becomes ‘aboot’, ‘yes’ becomes ‘aye’, ‘come on’ becomes ‘how-ee’, ‘alright’ becomes ‘harreet’, ‘cant’ becomes ‘canna’ and ‘no’ becomes ‘nae’ (just to name a few!!!).

This is just a few examples of words that have been altered (at the highest level) in the Cumbrian dialect. As we don’t know who the lady in question is, we are none-the-wiser as to how strong her accent and dialect. It is clear that, yes, some of those words have been changed quite drastically, and yes, for young school children that have grown up around a Berkshire accent and dialect, a new sound of voice may require a higher level of focus to be understandable. However, if it was deemed acceptable when they hired the teacher, her accent could’ve only adapted during the time she had been working in the Berkshire area, and the Northern tone to it surely would’ve weakened. So to attack her at such a late point in her career is simply humiliating and shameful.

It has furthermore come to my attention that the opinion and influence has played a considerable, if not main role in this monstrosity. They may have the right to pick on anything they see as a concern, but to single out an individual like that, it makes me question their job! I thought their duty was to help improve schools, however the only result this school has achieved is an aggressive and hateful reputation!

I was relieved to hear that Ofsted were going to have words with the inspector that made the remark, and I am also very aware of the competition to be the best school in the area, and therefore the obedience schools will have upon Ofsted’s demands. I think that this is absolutely no excuse for such racism and abuse, but we can see how important education is becoming to the generation.

Overall I find it hard to believe that not much serious action has taken place. If it were me I would’ve walked straight out of that school and never looked back. I hope this sends a very clear and distinct message to all schools and businesses throughout the country, and such comments will never be made to innocent people again.