The Oxford English Dictionary has launched the ‘Words Where You Are’ appeal in the hope of documenting regional language that is often not recorded as it is only spoken. You know the kind of words, the words you use all the time but then you go to a different part of the country and the word is met with a blank stare.
As a Welsh person I am well aware of this phenomenon, especially as we use so much incidental Welsh in our speech. That’s a whole different language but around the UK different regions also have their own variations on regional words.
In its blog the OED is asking English speakers around the world and around the UK to share the words where they are. Contributors can use the form within the blog, or use the #wordswhereyouare tag on Twitter.
Traditionally regional words have often not been documented as they are only used in spoken speech and this can make it difficult for the OED’s lexicographers to document the regional language and changes therein. However, a rise in social media use, especially Twitter means that the OED can better monitor the words that people are using and allowing them to be identified and researched.
Regional language often originates from local history, stories and the sense of the region and can give us a sense of identity, share yours with the OED now!
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