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Language Tips!

Fun with words


For a sample of local accents and dialects, tune in to some of the fabled 'Scrumpy and Western' bands. Taking their name from the local knockout cider, these bands are keeping the folk fire burning. Neighbouring Somerset has produced 'The Wurzels', whose 'I've got a brand new Combine Harvester' has passed into legend. Meanwhile, Dorset's very own 'The Yetties' have travelled the globe with their tractor-wheeling tunes. Hot on their heels are newcomers 'Who's Afear'd'.

Click & Listen!

Yes

No

Hello

Goodbye

How are you?

Please

Thank you

How much does this cost?

Do you speak English?

Cheers!

I lost my passport - can you help me?

How much does beer cost?

Two beers please!

Do you have a sister?

Drop by tonight and I'll show you my stamp collection

Foreigners are forever bewildered by the hearty banter of Scottish Highlanders. England's West Country accents aren't quite as tricky, but if you've been coached on bland Middle English vowels, you'll find the switch a surprise. Those not from round 'ere associate the accent with mild-mannered rural folks who may not be towering intellectuals but whose hearts are firmly in the right place. Famously, David Prowse (the 6 foot 7 West Country actor who played Darth Vader) was dubbed out in the final cut of Star Wars as his accent just wasn't intimidating enough. The rest of the crew called him 'Darth Farmer' behind his back - traitors!

Of course, Dorset still has echoes of Jeeves and Wooster. Dorset has more squires and red-faced peers than most British counties, so you're likely to encounter the Queen's English alongside the more mellow local lilts. Those upper crust folks know their 'lavatories' from their 'toilets'and they never sit on the 'couch.' Ooo arh - that would be criminal.

Below you'll find a few Old Dorset words. Not many are common nowadays, but if you're reading Hardy or Trollope, they may come in handy. In short, you'll be dabster afore you can say bruckly noggerhead!

a few words...



Dorset Hotels
 


Life's A Beach
A book set on the Dorset coastline is topping the bestseller lists, following a paperback release on January 3rd. On Chesil Beach, a nov...


The Three Elms

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"August 2009. We have been to this Pub twice now and both times have enjoyed our meal and the hospitality. ..."
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