J. YUSKAUSKAS, DIALECT COACH
ACCENT BREAKDOWN for
The Cockney/London Dialect
(or the Lower Classes)
The Accent: This accent originated in a specific group of neighborhoods
in London, spoken by those living within the sound of the “bow bells.” The
Bow Bells being that of the Church of St. Mary Le Bow in the East End of
London. It is generally associated with those of the lower/working classes,
but “at times has included many higher-level groups.” (Blunt) The
television program “East Enders” is an excellent example of contemporary
Cockney speech. Angela Lansbury’s work as Mrs. Lovett in the PBS filmed
version of “Sweeney Todd” and the 1945 “Portrait of Dorian Gray” are also
clear and naturalistic portrayals of the Cockney dialect, of which she is
native (sometimes used to great comic effect).
What does it sound like? (Rhythm and Pitch)
First and foremost, one must remember that the Cockney is still English.
They share with their fellow Britons many common pronunciations, when
not using one of the signature cockney sounds (the “Broad A,” diphthong
of OU and the non-rhotic nature of “r”). With that in mind, let’s proceed…
As in RP, there is great pitch variation, with men and women easily sliding
over an octave in one thought. The effortless slide of pitch, the great
agility and ease of it is indicative, according to Mr. Blunt, of the mental
alertness and cunning of a class built on “street smarts.” This pitch slide is
frequently found in a whine or slide (as evidenced in the over-the-top
Cockney of Audrey Hepburn in “My Fair Lady” on colloquial words such as
“garn” and “coo”).
A quick-tongued tempo is a must (unless one is speaking in terms of
displeasure or scorn) to carry the true sense of the dialect. However, the
speed can sometimes cause this to be unintelligible, therefore we must
find a way to marry truth with clarity.
How is it made? (Placement, points of focus)
As in RP, Cockney is a forward placement. However, the lips protrude
slightly and the jaw is held loosely (the soft jaw allowing for the great
agility necessary). Vowel and diphthong sounds are open, the soft
palette raised and throat open; these sounds more open than in Standard
American and RP.
Glottal Stop. First, the “Glottis” is the space between the vocal folds. A
Glottal Stop is the sudden stop or interruption of sound by closing the
glottis and eliminating airflow.
J. YUSKAUSKAS, DIALECT COACH
The Vowels:
Cockney predominantly uses diphthongs over single vowel sounds,
however one single sound in particular makes a shift to a signature sound:
AW (
) In Cockney this sound is more exaggerated than in RP, with the
lips creating a smaller opening (as if using a straw or whistling)
and the soft palette raised, allowing for a more hollow interior
sound.
The featured diphthongs of Cockney are numerous, some single vowel
sounds becoming diphthongs and some substitutions:
EE (
OO (
) becomes UH-IHE (
) becomes UH-OO (
AY (
) becomes EYE (
EYE (
) becomes OY (
OW (
) becomes AHH (
OH (
) becomes AH-OH (
) A subtle change, but used frequently.
Me See Speak Tea Need
) Very similar to the previous. Simply
adding a light UH, as in cup, to the
front of the OO, as in pool, sound.
Too Boot Who Coo Prove
) A most notable Cockney sound. So that
the word “eight” would be pronounced
“eyet.” Excellent example, from “My Fair
Lady,” is the line “the rine in Spine falls
minely in the pline.”
Day Place Break Stranger Shakespeare
) Similar to Irish (but stronger in Irish). It is
nearly pronounced as “OY.”
Fine Fight Why Sign
) A flat sound, almost turning “town”
into “tan.” A very forward sound.
Town About Now
) The exaggerated OH of RP becomes a
triphthong with the additions of the
AH (
) vowel, and flattens. This
provides an excellent opportunity to
use the pitch slide/whine indicative
of this accent.
Go Don’t Stone Slow Old Over
J. YUSKAUSKAS, DIALECT COACH
The Consonant Substitutions:
(
) The “Dropped Aich” A most recognizable sound. This accent calls
for the dropping of the consonant H/aich in the primary
and medial positions of words.
Home=’ome Who=’oo Behead=be’ed
N(
) for NG (
KUH (
) The “G” sound in the terminal position of “ing” words is
dropped. Runnin’ Walkin’
) added to ING (
An Unvoiced TH (
) In LIMITED instances (mostly attached to
the word “thing”) the terminal syllable is
sounded as the word “ink.”
Thinking=finkink for example
Nothing=nuffink(see below)
) replaced with an F ( ) Also limited use. Largely
concerned with the word “thing.” So Thing=fing
and Nothing=nuffink
The Intrusive R While obeying the rules of R usage set out in the RP packet,
we find that there are situations in Cockney where the
hard R appears, or Intrudes.
Between a Vowel and Consonant
The hard R is sounded in LIMITED circumstances
between sounds such as A/F, A/S, and A/N. Examples:
Laugh=Larf Ask=Arsk Can’t=Carn’t
Terminal position of words ending in a Vowel Sound
Again, limited use. Examples:
Idea=Idear China=Chiner Draw/ing-Drawer/Drawerin’
The Glottal Stop (
) Distinctly Cockney sound. The cessation of sound.
It occurs as a replacement for T, K, and P
between vowels. Words such as Little=lih’ul and
Bottle=bah’ul. It can also act as a linking
between two words of the same thought. The
sound must be smooth and not abrupt or sharp.
Pretty Literary Lot Glottis Gentleman Citizen
J. YUSKAUSKAS, DIALECT COACH
Key Words, Phrases, and Special Pronunciations:
London=Lunn’uhn
Garn (expression of disbelief/disagreement)=Gaahn
Gar Blimey (“God blind me” as if to say “darn me”)= Gah Bloimee
Half a Moment (“in a minute”)= ‘af uh moh
“I hardly think so” becomes “I don’t half think so”= Oy don affink so”
Coo and Cor (expressions of like “oh”)= koo and kaw
There is also an extensive list of “rhyming slang;” words or phrases
replacing the actual word with something bearing no connection in
definition, only in the word or phrases terminal sound.
Adam and Eve=Believe
Canoes=Shoes
Bread (bread and honey)=Money
Dog and Bone=Phone
In part, this developed as a secret language for the underground world of
thieves in London who were native to the Cockney dialect.
For Further Listening:
Miss Brahms (Wendy Richard) on the British situation comedy “Are You
Being Served” is an excellent example of the Cockney accent. Ms.
Richard is a native cockney and uses her natural voice in the show. In
select episodes, Miss Brahms puts on her “posh talk” adopting her own RP.
Again, Mrs. Lovett (Angela Lansbury) in “Sweeney Todd” as recorded
onstage in 1982. Helena Bonham-Carter also provides a clear example in
the 2007 film version. Useful also, as you have the opportunity to hear the
dialect sung.
Adaptations of George Bernard Shaw plays are also useful. The 1938
“Pygmalion” and the musical adaptation, “My Fair Lady,” are prime
examples. In both, pay particular attention to Alfred, Eliza’s father.
Please note, the exaggerated Cockney used by Audrey Hepburn in “My
Fair Lady” is a stereotype and should not be used as a primary source.
Similarly, Dick Van Dyke’s charming portrayal of Burt in “Mary Poppins”
uses a rather flawed Cockney, referred to by some as “mockney.”