The BBC Voices project has set itself the task of exploring language, accent and dialect across the UK. So what do we speak like in North Yorkshire? | Norse connection | When the Vikings invaded England in the 9th century they divided what we now know as Yorkshire into three parts. These later became known as the North, East and West Ridings. |
With its sheer size, and diverse geography and landscape, it's no surprise that the way people speak varies enormously within North Yorkshire. As Jim from Filey puts it: "this is what you're speakin' about now, in't it...the dialects, 'ow they change in a few miles." To get to grips with North Yorkshire lingo, BBC Radio York's Neil Foster set out across the county with his trusty recording equipment. Follow the links below to listen to clips from these conversations. Acting up in York Drama students Nick and Lee think that some southern drama schools favour people with a northern accent, while Sarah, the only member of the group to attend a public school, thinks that her RP accent may count against her. » More
Filey's fishermen Jim, Donald, Mansfield and Paul are all members of the Filey Fishermen's Choir. They have some amusing tales to tell, one of which we've included here about Bob Hunter and seeing the sun, mon and morning star, all at once! » More Yorkshire abroad! This group of friends live in Norton, one member of the group, Jean, recalls her Yorkshireness being spotted in far-flung places! It just proves you can leave Yorkshire, but it never leaves you! » More
Confusing the tourists in Helmsley Paul, Eva and Doreen have noticed that accents can vary incredibly just a few miles away from their home in Helmsley. They reminisce on the oddices of local pronunciations. | 
