Lexicon
Since the dialect of Yorkshire contains three distinct sub-dialects there is a lot variation in the vocabulary of its speakers. This variation can be observed regionally and is the result of European Invaders as well as linguistic changes due to settlers. (Trudgill). Arnold Kellett and Peter Trudgill both cite the following examples of vocabulary variation present in Yorkshire.
Since the dialect of Yorkshire contains three distinct sub-dialects there is a lot variation in the vocabulary of its speakers. This variation can be observed regionally and is the result of European Invaders as well as linguistic changes due to settlers. (Trudgill). Arnold Kellett and Peter Trudgill both cite the following examples of vocabulary variation present in Yorkshire.
Standard English
Sweets Ear Armpit |
North Riding
goodies lug oxter |
East Riding
goodies lug armpit |
West Riding
spice tab armhole |
In The Dialects of England Trudgill discusses the similarities between the dialects of Yorkshire and Scandinavia. The reason for this is because of the hisorical invansions of North-Eastern england by Vikings and other Scandinavians. Old English and Norwegian were also related in that they share the same Germanic origins ("introduction").
Here are some of the words that Trudgill noticed in his research.
Here are some of the words that Trudgill noticed in his research.
Standard English
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Yorkshire Dialect
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Modern Norwegian
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The Yorkshire dialect contains some words that have the same spelling as many standard English words. However these words do share the same meaning as there English counterparts.
For example 'gang' does not mean a group of people but instead it is a verb meaning 'to go'. Flags do not mean banners, but are paving stones.
Here is list containing other examples of words with different definitions in Yorkshire
Brat: Apron
Starved: Feeling cold
Sharp: Quick
Right: Very
For example 'gang' does not mean a group of people but instead it is a verb meaning 'to go'. Flags do not mean banners, but are paving stones.
Here is list containing other examples of words with different definitions in Yorkshire
Brat: Apron
Starved: Feeling cold
Sharp: Quick
Right: Very
Sheep-scoring numerals
The people of Yorkshire developed 3 similar, but unique ways of counting sheep. It is believed that this method of counting uses numerals that originated from Celtic languages (Yorkshire dialect).
Here is a comparison between three methods of sheep-scoring in the dialects of Yorkshire provided by the research of Wilfrid Halliday and A.S. Umpleby
Here is a comparison between three methods of sheep-scoring in the dialects of Yorkshire provided by the research of Wilfrid Halliday and A.S. Umpleby
Swaledale
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Wensleydale
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Nidderdale
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Yorkshire Expressions
The dialects of Yorkshire also contains many unique expressions that are commonly used. Here are some examples that Kellett talks about in Basic Broad Yorkshire.
Ah wor fair starved -> I really was cold
a reight gooid sooart -> a really kind person
goin' dahn t' nick -> ill and not going to get better
It caps owt -> it beats everything
tek a good likeness ->be very photogenic
livin' tally ->living together but not married
allus at t' last push up ->always at the last moment
nobbut a mention ->just a small amount
it's nut jannock ->it's not fair
The dialects of Yorkshire also contains many unique expressions that are commonly used. Here are some examples that Kellett talks about in Basic Broad Yorkshire.
Ah wor fair starved -> I really was cold
a reight gooid sooart -> a really kind person
goin' dahn t' nick -> ill and not going to get better
It caps owt -> it beats everything
tek a good likeness ->be very photogenic
livin' tally ->living together but not married
allus at t' last push up ->always at the last moment
nobbut a mention ->just a small amount
it's nut jannock ->it's not fair