The Mackem accent, distinct from its Geordie neighbor just a few miles north, carries the proud industrial heritage of Sunderland and its surrounding areas. This unique dialect, shaped by the city’s shipbuilding past and coal mining traditions, extends through Wearside and parts of East Durham. While often overshadowed by the more widely recognized Geordie accent, Mackem has its own distinctive features that reflect the strong local identity of Sunderland’s communities.
Notable Mackem voices include football pundit Jordan Henderson, journalist Kate Adie, and former England footballer Jordan Pickford, who proudly maintain their accents in the public eye. The accent gained wider recognition through the Netflix series “Sunderland ‘Til I Die,” which showcased authentic Mackem voices to a global audience, highlighting the distinct differences from the Newcastle accent just up the River Tyne.
The modern Mackem accent is characterized by its unique vowel sounds and distinctive vocabulary, influenced by the area’s maritime history and industrial heritage. While sharing some features with other North Eastern dialects, Mackem speakers have their own particular way of pronouncing words, especially noticeable in terms like “boat” and “coat,” which have a different sound from their Geordie counterparts. The accent varies across Wearside, from the coastal communities of Roker and Seaburn to inland areas like Houghton-le-Spring and Washington, each adding their own subtle variations to the dialect.
For writers seeking to capture authentic Mackem dialogue, it’s crucial to understand that this accent represents more than just a variation of Geordie – it’s a distinct dialect that reflects Sunderland’s unique identity and proud working-class heritage. The accent continues to evolve while maintaining its characteristic features, particularly in areas where traditional industries once dominated, making it one of the North East’s most distinctive regional accents.
Here’s a comprehensive guide for writing the Mackem (Sunderland) accent:
Core Characteristics
The Mackem accent is distinct from Geordie, being more closely related to Durham dialects[1]. It’s characterized by unique phonetic features and vocabulary that reflect Sunderland’s shipbuilding heritage and industrial past.
Phonetic Features
Vowel Sounds
- Words ending in “-own” pronounced as [-ʌun] (different from Geordie [-uːn])[1]
- “School” becomes two syllables: [ˈskʉ.əl][1]
- “Book” varies between [bʉːk], [bəuk], or [ˈbᵊuk][1]
- TRAP vowel uses short /æ/ in words like “after,” “laughter,” “pasta”[1]
- “Face” often pronounced as [ˈfjas][1]
Consonants
- Extra syllable in certain words: “film” becomes [ˈfɪləm][1]
- “Make” and “take” become “mak” and “tak” in conservative forms[1]
- Words like “cruel,” “fuel,” “fool” become two syllables[1]
Regional Vocabulary
Common Terms
- “Gerraway” – expression of surprise[3]
- “Knacked” – broken or tired[3]
- “Git lovely” – very nice[3]
- “Wrong’un/Wrang’un” – untrustworthy person[3]
- “Mint” or “Class” – excellent[3]
Common Expressions
- “Had’away and Sh**e” – expression of disbelief[3]
- “Why nor man” – emphatic “no”[3]
- “I’m clamming” – I’m hungry[3]
- “I’m owa the moon” – very happy[3]
- “Like” added to end of sentences as softener[3]
Geographical Variations
North vs South Sunderland
- North: “something” becomes “summik”
- South: “something” becomes “summat”
- Surrounding areas: “summit”[1]
Writing Tips
- Use phonetic spelling sparingly to maintain readability
- Focus on distinctive grammatical patterns
- Consider character’s location within Sunderland
- Remember the accent varies between North and South Sunderland
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Don’t confuse with Geordie accent
- Remember Mackem is closer to Durham dialects
- Consider character’s age and background
- Don’t overuse dialect words
Remember that authenticity comes from consistent but subtle use of these features rather than trying to incorporate every aspect into each line of dialogue.
Sources
[1] Mackem – Wikipedia https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mackem
[2] Phonology https://geordiedialectblog.wordpress.com/2016/05/29/phonology-2/
[3] Phrases Only People from Sunderland Will Understand (and the … https://sunderlandglobalmedia.org/phrases-only-people-from-sunderland-will-understand-and-the-origin-of-the-mackem-dialect/
[4] How to convey accents in fiction writing: Beyond phonetic spelling https://www.louiseharnbyproofreader.com/blog/how-to-convey-accents-in-fiction-writing-beyond-phonetic-spelling