You may have heard about the British Library survey about the different ways people pronounce common words. If not, check out this BBC Magazine article and watch the piece that was shown on TV News.
The expectation is that the differences will be linked to age. What do you think? Do younger people pronounce words differently from older people?
This is a good example of a high-profile scientific survey. The researchers have a defined list of words they want to check and are asking people to read a passage from the children's book 'Mr Tickle'. How else could they have checked pronunciation? What information do you think they would want to record about the people who respond? Could you make a chart to complete to show responses of individuals?
The British Library survey is timed to publicise a new exhibition about the story of our English Language which starts later this month. The press and internet have found lots of angles on the story - well worth exploring! Try BBC News and the Guardian as a start. The Guardian has a video clip showing how much the Queen's pronunciation has changed since the beginning of her reign. The British Library webpage for the exhibition is disappointing as it's just a way in to booking.
Have a go at doing your own survey. Use the same words and investigate the different ways people pronounce them. Are they right about age being the significant variable, or are there other factors in play here?
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