BBC English

[Rant mode=on]

Remember when the BBC used to have strict rules about language and pronunciation, to the extent that 'proper English', the language skill level that perfectionists would aspire to, became colloquially known as 'BBC English'?

Well, I don't know if its just me, and I sincerely hope I'm not becoming a snob, but it seems to me that their standards have slipped somewhat in recent years. In fact, I regularly read their news website, and increasingly find myself having to read the same sentence two or three times to work out what they are trying to say. Just now, I gave up on an article altogether because it seems it was the typographical version of someone's random stream of subconscious thought. I have no idea what they were trying to say.

[End of rant]

 

Why do their voice over readers all have Geordie accents? What`s wrong with a South Walien accent?

 

You just need to watch the One Show to answer that Dai - or are those 2 just annoying generally.
If they're annoying can I also toss Carole Vordemann in there as well!

 

Never watched that programme, What`s wrong with the presenters? Carole Vordamann would be annoying no matter her nationality.

 

They give a good representation of egg laying chucks with there inane cackling. Nothing to do with the accent.
Glad to see we're on the same CV wavelength

 

I think things have changed a bit but I feel the Beeb still does a good job. I'm pleased that we now hear a greater range of voices, rather than just stuffy old RP.

Years ago there was a specialist 'Pronunciation Unit' in Broadcasting House, which spent its days sorting out some of the thornier problems; sadly, it's long gone. There was always a 'word of the day' pinned up outside the office, complete with phonetics. The names of new foreign leaders with tongue-twisters for monikers were a favourite theme, because newsreaders etc had to get up to speed quickly. I seem to remember Peter Sissons mentioning that he once spent days getting a difficult name off pat. He finally mastered it ... only to hear that its owner had been shot.

I'm not surprised that websites sometimes go a bit awry. The sheer volume of stuff which now has to be put out quickly is staggering. The web has changed everything. I'm always amazed, however, at the quality of output such as R4's 'Today Programme', given that it is live and its presenters are under a considerable amount of pressure. Many people don't realise that there is a backroom team talking into the presenters' headphones while they are on air; I am in awe of people who can speak fluently under such conditions. Things rarely miss a beat - which is why James Naughty's unfortunate slip of the tongue - Jeremy Hunt spelt with a 'C' - made the headlines.

I must admit I was slightly surprised when BBC regional news hired a presenter a few years back who used to speak of 'wevver in the Saufeast', but then ... tha' is 'ow we speak inna Saufeast.

 

I'm all for more Welsh voices, Dai, but you've got John Humphrys doing the Today Programme alongside Evan Davis, who seems to be on just about everything at the moment. And then there's Huw Edwards doing the News. Sian Williams does BBC Breakfast, although admittedly she doesn't sound very Welsh. Alex Jones does the One Show ... but I don't know which bit of Wales she's from. Might be a Gog.

 

Waas the crack wi yon Geordie? Tis a fine oul way a spekkin - ya sez what ya mens an it's aw clear fow ev'rybody? Diven ya take yon pot shots at oos oop North!


(said with a Norfolk accent, of course! )

 

Howay Man Lass.
Ya Divent tak the pish ower an aksent. Yon BBC duz awreet wiv oor tele like. Itsd soft sutheners wat dissent get wot wor mean wen us Geordies sez it like, Hinny.

Said with a nice Yorkshire pronunciation of course.

 

Howay man lass
gaan an telt em hoo it is
Divnt dunch us war man

Jack McH

 

One of the finest broadcaster's voices was that of the late Brian Johnson. Towards the end of a match on which he was commentating, the batsman was struck by the penulitmate delivery, in a very sensitive area, although he was wearing the usual protective shield, was in some considerable agony, writhing on the ground and clutching the injured area.

Johnson converyed the interlude with his usual tact and diplomacy.

Eventually the batsman recovered his composure and stood to the crease to face the final delivery of the match. Jonners continued his commentry..............." Now, just one ball remaining "........................

 

There was also:-
1. The batsmans Holding, the bowlers Willey.
2. Bothams bent over in the slips, bottom in the air, waiting for a tickle.
3. I thought Botham was going to be out but he managed to get his leg over.

Jonners and John Arlott had many such slips of the tongue.

Cricketing Autobiographies by John Arlott, Brian Johnson and Dickie Bird are full of such anecdotes and are heartily recommended as good entertainment.

 

This is a great thread! Haven't had such a good laugh in ages! Thank you everyone

 

Tis What it tis & cassn't be what it tissn't.