dialectological landscapes of north east england
The territory lying between the Scottish borders in the north, the Pennines in the west and the River Tees in the south is perhaps the most distinct and separate part of England. Language plays a central role in symbolizing the North East identity, and this website presents research on the folk-linguistics of the region, in particular its perceptual dialectology. It also hosts a contemporary grammar of North East English, together with work on the vernacular element in the linguistic landscape, the region’s ethnonyms, and studies of salient lexical and discourse features.
The territory lying between the Scottish borders in the north, the Pennines in the west and the River Tees in the south is perhaps the most distinct and separate part of England. Language plays a central role in symbolizing the North East identity, and this website presents research on the folk-linguistics of the region, in particular its perceptual dialectology. It also hosts a contemporary grammar of North East English, together with work on the vernacular element in the linguistic landscape, the region’s ethnonyms, and studies of salient lexical and discourse features.
Many people have helped with the University of Sunderland's research on North East English over the years, taking part in surveys and providing authentic examples of dialect use. This website is dedicated to them with gratitude. If you have any comments or suggestions, please email Dr Mike Pearce at the address at the bottom of the page.
Many people have helped with the University of Sunderland's research on North East English over the years, taking part in surveys and providing authentic examples of dialect use. This website is dedicated to them with gratitude. If you have any comments or suggestions, please email Dr Mike Pearce at the address at the bottom of the page.
Image: Montague B. Black's London & North Eastern Railway map photographed by Dan Brady [cc BY 2.0]
How do people in the North East classify and map the region's dialects, and how do they feel about them?
To what extent can traditional dialect words be found in the living language of the region? What has survived; what might have been lost?
The most extensive contemporary description of the morphology and syntax of English in North East England.
Geet; canny; mam: three fascinating features of North East English.
A study of the use of regional dialect on signs and artifacts in the public domain.
Are you a Geordie, Mackem, Smoggie, Sand-dancer, Monkey Hanger, Pit Yacker - or none of the above?