An Atlas of English Dialects

by Clive Upton, J.D.A. Widdowson

Do you call it April Fools’ Day, April Noddy Day or April Gowkin’ Day? Is the season before winter the Autumn, the Fall or the Backend? When you’re out of breath, do you pant, puff, pank, tift or thock? The words we use (and the sounds we make when we use them) are more often than not a product of where we live, and An Atlas of English Dialects shows the reader where certain words, sounds and phrases originate from and why usage varies from region to region. The Atlas Based on the Survey of English Dialects – the most extensive record of English regional speech – the Atlas is a fascinating and informative guide to the diversity of the English Language in England.

Genres: Nonfiction, Linguistics, Language

224 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 1996

Reviews

[E Owen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Rhoticity Rules! (In certain areas of England)

[Stuart · Rating 5 out of 5]

14 years ago I looked at this book in an English bookshop in Stockholm. I don't know why I didn't buy it then but often thought of it later. Recently, I had a brainwave, guessed the title
and managed to find and order it on Amazon. Looking at the maps, I'm trying to remember what I and my Father used to say for certain words as a child. The local words all seem plausible but those further afield seem downright bizarre and I feel compelled now to show the book to my friends in the North, the South, the Easy and West and ask them, "Did you really say that?".