The Somerset accent, a cherished voice of England’s West Country, flows through the diverse landscapes of this historic county – from the mystical plains of Glastonbury to the dramatic Cheddar Gorge, and from the rolling Mendip Hills to the sweeping Somerset Levels. This distinctive dialect carries echoes of the region’s agricultural heritage and reflects the unhurried pace of rural life that still characterizes much of the county.
Known for its warm, rich tones and deliberate pace, the Somerset accent is perhaps one of England’s most recognizable rural dialects. It’s characterized by a strong rhotic ‘R’ sound and a tendency to extend certain vowels, giving the accent its distinctive musical quality. The dialect has evolved from Old English and retained many features that have vanished from modern standard English, making it particularly fascinating for linguistic enthusiasts and writers alike.
Notable Somerset voices include comedian Bill Bailey, who grew up in Keynsham and often incorporates his accent into his performances, and actor Peter O’Toole, who spent his early years in the county. The accent has also gained wider recognition through appearances in popular culture, including Hot Fuzz, which was filmed in Wells and featured local dialect coaches to ensure authentic representation. Modern farming personalities like the Sheppy family, known for their Somerset cider-making, continue to showcase the authentic accent in television appearances.
The Somerset accent varies significantly across the county, with subtle changes noticeable between the northern areas near Bristol, the central agricultural heartland, and the southern regions bordering Dorset and Devon. This variation reflects the county’s diverse geography and historical trade routes, creating a rich tapestry of linguistic features that make the Somerset accent a fascinating subject for writers seeking to add authentic regional flavor to their work.
Vowel Characteristics
Long Vowels
- “A” sounds often lengthen and darken
- “Path” becomes “paath”
- “Bath” becomes “baath”
- “Dance” becomes “daance”
Short Vowels
- “I” often becomes “oi” or “uy”
- “Right” becomes “roight”
- “Light” becomes “loight”
- “Mine” becomes “moine”
Consonant Features
The Rhotic R
- Strong emphasis on R sounds after vowels
- “Farm” pronounced with clear R
- “Car” becomes “carr”
- Rolling R common in rural areas
Initial S and F Sounds
- “S” often becomes “Z”
- “Summer” becomes “zummer”
- “F” often becomes “V”
- “Fighting” becomes “voighting”
Grammar Patterns
Verb Forms
- Use of “be” instead of “am/are/is”
- “I be going” instead of “I am going”
- “They be working” instead of “They are working”
- Past participles often end in “n”
- “Broken” becomes “brokken”
Pronouns and Articles
- “It” often becomes “er”
- “Where is it?” becomes “Where’s er to?”
- “The” often becomes “thee” or “they”
- “Them” becomes “’em”
Regional Vocabulary
Traditional Terms
- “Gert” – great/very
- “Scrumpy” – rough cider
- “Babber” – baby/child
- “Dimpsy” – twilight/dusk
- “Teg” – yearling sheep
Common Expressions
- “Where’s that to?” – Where is that?
- “Proper job” – well done
- “Mind” – remember/be careful
- “Ee” – yes
- “Ow bist?” – How are you?
Writing Dialogue Examples
"Ow bist, me old babber? That's a gert fine day out there."
"I be going down town dreckly, mind. You want anything?"
"Them apples be proper ripe vor scrumpy now."Regional Variations
North Somerset
- Lighter accent
- More urban influence from Bristol
- Less traditional vocabulary
Central Somerset
- Stronger traditional features
- More agricultural terms
- Pronounced rhotic R
South Somerset
- Shares features with Dorset
- Stronger vowel sounds
- More preserved dialect words
Common Phrases
Weather-Related
- “Tis proper mizzlin'” – It’s drizzling
- “Tis black over Will’s mother’s” – Storm approaching
- “Proper pewsty today” – Very hot
Rural Life
- “Out in vield” – In the field
- “Down to market” – At the market
- “Up to farm” – At the farm
Traditional Greetings
- “Alright me babber?” – How are you?
- “Ow be on?” – How are you?
- “Where you to?” – Where are you?
Writing Tips
Essential Features
- Use of “I be” and “you be”
- Z for initial S sounds
- V for initial F sounds
- Extended vowels in appropriate words
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Don’t overuse phonetic spelling
- Maintain consistency in chosen features
- Avoid mixing with other regional accents
- Don’t make every character’s accent identical
Remember to use these features judiciously. The goal is to give readers a flavor of the accent without making the text difficult to read. Consider using a combination of standard spelling with occasional dialect words and grammatical patterns to create an authentic Somerset voice that remains accessible to all readers.
