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13 November 2014

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The Real Young London

You are in: London > People > The Real Young London > What makes a Londoner?

Teenagers in a London pub

What makes a Londoner?

Take a fascinating look at 'What makes a Londoner'? through the eyes of Young Londoners.

It's a question I have always found quite intriguing about this great metropolis over the years. It's a place where people have sought new lives and opportunities.

Pearly kings & Queens by Getty images

Pearly Kings & Queens by Getty Images

It's well documented that in the past, to be a true Cockney you had to be born within the sound of the Bow Bells or remember the Lambeth Walk and Pearly Kings and Queens. Unfortunately as time passes by the identity of a true Cockney has become lost in an ever growing city.

London is so much more diverse now, with its cosmopolitan, multicultural society full of different backgrounds and attitudes. Liberality and tolerance are intrinsic to London life.

Recently I spoke to many people in and around London asking their personal views about ''What makes a Londoner''? - listen to the selection below.

According to BBC London 94.9fm broadcaster Robert Elms being a Londoner is ''just a state of mind''. For others it is just a clear sense of belonging.

On the other hand a true Londoner doesn't necessarily hail from the capital; it's all about spirit, being positive and embracing changes that are constantly happening around you.

Sense of Place

In 2002 Robert Elms, presented a series of compelling documentaries on BBC London 94.9 exploring the views and identities of Londoners. Listen to two audio clips from the series.

Your Views

It would be very interesting to hear the general views of others recounting their personal experiences about 'What makes a Londoner'?

last updated: 10/11/2008 at 15:15
created: 04/07/2008

Have Your Say

What do you think makes a Londoner?

jack
you will know when you are a Londoner- you will describe yourself that way and NOT from Suffolk or Bangladesh or East Africa or Scotland!

Yasemin
Being a true Londoner means that you dream of LONDON during your sleep all the time and having some sudden scenes of LONDON in mind-a street, a house or maybe a landmark of the city...th

Renee
You will know when you are a Londoner.

Sarah
Being a Londoner is not about being from London. I'm not from London and I feel a true connection with the city. Being a true Londonder means "being positive and embracing changes that are constantly happening around you."It also means feeling an earthly connection no matter where you are in world. It might sound a bit dramatic, but it's almost like a heartbeat, it's always a part of you.

Denis
Be a londoner is just feel and cares about london, doesn't matter where you from.

Shifre
Hey, I would have to agree with James Davies the most, maybe apart from being born in London. You don't have to be born in London just know it like a native would. I was born in London and have never left it for 16 years. My sisters were born in another country but moved here when they were about 1 and 3 and lived for about 18years.Being a Londoner means you don't walk the streets copying the limp 'bop' you saw on the American show but rather the limp 'bop' you saw on the English show. (the 'bop' is also known as the 'badman walk' or just limping in a way to suggest you're 'cool'. I only included the 'bop' because that's how we youth seem to walk on the streets!)

Lizi
Being a Londoner is having a love of the city so much that it becomes a part of you - whether you're appreciating living in London or being away from it but feeling that you're missing out by not being there (even though you might be having a fabulous time elsewhere). Whether you're originally from London or otherwise, London will suck you in and make you a part of it!

Gemma
Being a true Londoner means that you always feel a connection to the city wherever else you are in the world, loving London and its diversity! I was born in London but don't live there now... i came back to do a degree because i couldnt imagine being anywhere else, and now i'm back in essex i miss it sooo much...!

Luke Scott
Being a true Londoner is being true to where you come from and being true to other parts of London wheather it be north, south , east or west.

Miglena
Being a true Londoner is not merely appreciating the capital's cultural,ethnic and historical richness and taking advantage of it,but it also means being deeply involved in your community.Truly caring about this one of a kind place and wanting to make a difference, so we could all live better lives.

Nancy Britten
The desire to make London your home, and the love of the city itself.

Jane Heany
Someone who loves our city and can live here happily. There is something for everyone and we should all be able to live and let live with our fellow Londoners.It's a wonderful place to live and I wish that all of us here felt that way. Of course, it is not perfect, nowhere is, but it is pretty good.

geoff
knowing that u love ur london no matter what. generally positive attitude and welcoming to other cultures and peoples. loving the fact that your from the best city in the world. that makes a londoner a true londoner.

Daniel Faloppa
A true londoner is always positive minded and always in the mood. This doesnt mean always walking forward but a wise planner and it was said who can embrace changes. That is a true londner!

flo
It's loving London and never wanting to leave.

Adam
To be a Londoner you must be extremely self involved.

james davies
It is being born here, having knowledge of London, its history and heratige, as well as being proud of who you are and where you are from.

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