Helen Mirren

[Martin]

I find glottal stops particularly annnoying - they're very commonly used in what's become known as "estuary English", which is not a regional dialect itself, but just a sloppy, lazy, unintelligent way of conversing! The real Sussex accent is a delight to listen to, but has virtually completely died out.
I've got few problems with true regional accents, I reckon they add character, but "estuary English" is positively wince-making!

[Muddypause]

I have an 1857 Pronouncing Dictionary on my shelf. It is excruciating, now, to read the introductory pages, with headings like 'Rules to be observed by the Natives of Ireland in order to obtain a just Pronunciation of English'; another for Natives of Scotland; 'First Fault of the Londoner' (followed by several more); finally 'Directions to Foreigners'. To be fair, it does explain that language is constantly changing "...like the foliage in the grove, is constantly in a state of mutation," but to a 21st century reader some of it is crushingly didactic. But a dictionary, after all, does not define a language, it only charts it.

I was staying in Lancashire recently, and it was really delightful to hear dialectical use of a 'k' sound in place of a 't' where it occured before an 'l' - as in 'bokkle of beer' and 'going to the hospikle'. Around here, you sometimes get that in some forms of African-via-Jamacan English, but in Lancs. it was being used as part of the inherited local vernacular. Having come to terms with that, it was interesting to hear someone talk about a 'bokkle of Dettol'.

[Boots]

A friend recently introduced me to her daughter, who I recognised from her academy photo that her Mum has on the wall. I said, "Ah, so you are the Policewoman!"

and she grinned and said

"No, I am a Police Officer"

I hesitated for a moment, and then said "Yes, so you are."

And she is.

When someone earns a title, it is wrong to rob them or diminish their role or achievement with gender classifications. Doctors have always been acknowledged without gender bias... why's that ya reckon?

[pskipper]

I'd just like to point out that glottal stops occur in most english dialects, not just those from the estuary (esturine? although that sounds like a medical condition) Yorkshire being famed for its glottal stops as well as flat caps, whippets and black bicycles.

On the subject of Doctors and gender bias I suspect that it's because you did not find female doctors in the periods when these biases were strongest, for example Florence Nightingale was a nurse inspite of her knowledge.

[Andy Hamilton]

I find glottal stops particularly annnoying - they're very commonly used in what's become known as "estuary English", which is not a regional dialect itself, but just a sloppy, lazy, unintelligent way of conversing! The real Sussex accent is a delight to listen to, but has virtually completely died out.
I've got few problems with true regional accents, I reckon they add character, but "estuary English" is positively wince-making!

Er, my accent has been described as estuary English. Although it wavers all over the place depending on with whom I am talking to. Seem to have picked up a London twang from somewhere too, never having lived in London not sure where it came from. I am sure you would be correcting my speech and wincing all the the time if we were to speak Martin.

[Millymollymandy]

I find glottal stops particularly annnoying - they're very commonly used in what's become known as "estuary English", which is not a regional dialect itself, but just a sloppy, lazy, unintelligent way of conversing! The real Sussex accent is a delight to listen to, but has virtually completely died out.
I've got few problems with true regional accents, I reckon they add character, but "estuary English" is positively wince-making!

Er, my accent has been described as estuary English. Although it wavers all over the place depending on with whom I am talking to. Seem to have picked up a London twang from somewhere too, never having lived in London not sure where it came from. I am sure you would be correcting my speech and wincing all the the time if we were to speak Martin.

I'm (apparently) a bit estuary too Andy; my mother despairs! However, the glottal sounds more cockney to me than estuary, if I am 'hearing' it right in my head - i.e. glo-al.

I fink it's orrible!

[Wombat]

My accent is more of the "up-the-creek" style than "Estuary".......

[green-girl]

Are we now to suffer the ludicrous situation whereby we have to refer to a female policeman? (when "policewoman" does fine!)

I think I'd be more offended at being referred to as a policeman! See, to me, that has more implications than just being called a policewoman

Gotta agree... police officer sounds great