As any language learner will tell you, idiomatic phrases are extremely difficult to master and to use in the correct context. And for translators, cultural transposition is often the only way forward as these phrases do not directly translate. In a bid to overcome this language barrier and improve patient care, a hospital in Norfolk is offering foreign nurses the chance to attend language classes about local dialects.

On 31 August 2010, the Guardian reported on this initiative and listed some of the phrases that have come up including, ‘pins and needles’ and ‘feeling under the weather’. It was stressed that the nurses attending the course have excellent skills in English, but need a few pointers when it comes to this particular aspect of the English language. It is hoped that these classes will avoid the situation whereby a patient was escorted to the shop, rather than to a toilet, to ‘spend a penny’.

Classes consist of an induction course and follow-up sessions where staff can discuss any other phrases that they have picked up on the wards and deal with “‘dialect, idiom and colloquialism, covering phrases such as ‘spick and span’, higgledy-piggledy’” and ‘tickled pink’.*

This topic also made an appearance in the Telegraph when it was reported how social media networks have been responsible for a UK-wide revival in regional dialects. It details that the speed of communication on these sites is such that people are ‘more likely to lapse into colloquialisms’, which in turn means higher visibility of these phrases on the Internet and therefore increases the speed at which they are picked up outside of the local community. Language is a constantly changing entity, but with the advent of social media sites such as Twitter and FaceBook, these dialects are spreading at a much higher rate than before.

Some interesting phrases listed in the article from the Independent include ‘dreckly’ meaning ‘directly’ (Cornwall); ‘scran’ meaning ‘food’ (Liverpool); ‘mardy’ meaning ‘moody’ (Manchester); ‘cob’ meaning ‘bread roll’ (Midlands) and ‘taraabit’ meaning ‘goodbye’ (Birmingham).

These idiomatic expressions and words from regional dialects often pose a barrier to fully understanding any foreign language. Directly tackling this problem by offering professional language courses is a step forward for the NHS in a bid to improve service users’ care. Providing linguistic information that may not usually be found in a dictionary, but which is certain to come up in everyday life is certainly a top notch initiative. Mint!

* www.guardian.co.uk/society (August 31 2010)

Sources: The Guardian, The Telegraph

In November 2010, the British Library will showcase an exhibition called Evolving English: One Language, Many Voices, that charts the 1,500-year history of the English language. The exhibition has been a three-year work in progress and will offer such gems as the first English dictionary; received pronunciation guides from the BBC; and ‘listening stations’ demonstrating the development of regional accents along with the Stanley Unwin’s made-up language of ‘Unwinese’. It is this combination of old and new, text and audio, print and new media, which makes it so exciting. Also in the news were reports that the next edition of the Oxford English Dictionary may only be available as an online resource.

The Guardian reported on this new exhibition and starting with print formats, it explained the delights on offer: the oldest copy of the Old English poem ‘Beowulf’ recorded 1,000 years ago; the first printed book in English dating from the 15th Century (Recuyell of the Historyes of Troye); the first English dictionary published in the 17th century; lists of slang words and their etymology; and a letter written by Henry V in the 15th century – significant because it is the first example of the English language being used by an English king.

More recent developments in the languages’ history include a 1920s BBC received pronunciation guide ‘in which broadcasters are told to pronounce combat as cumbat and housewifery as huzzifry’*; a Victorian pronunciation guide entitled ‘Poor Letter H’ in which the readership is advised not to drop their h’s (e.g. “‘house not ‘ouse’”*); and posters and comics throughout the years.

A poem dating from 1867 proves how the language used in text messages today originated from the 19th century: ‘I wrote 2 U B 4’ being one salient example. Here past and present meet, and in the same way, the exhibition also takes advantage of modern technology to present other examples of English language developments. Visitors are invited to read sections from selected texts for inclusion in a ‘sound archive’ that chronicles how regional accents have developed over time; an audio track offers examples of Stanley Unwin’s invented language ‘Unwinese’: an automotakaty (automatic) hit; and interactive workshops for schools aimed at developing skills in ‘language analysis and interpretation’ (www.bl.uk).

The English language was also in the news in August 2010 when it was announced that the next edition of the Oxford English Dictionary may only be available online. According to an article published in the Independent, the decline in demand for printed dictionaries combined with the increased demand for e-books is the reason behind this possible development. However, all is not lost for those who prefer the printed versions, as it is thought that it will be over a decade until a decision is made as the third edition is less than 30% completed.

The exhibition is the first of its kind and as Victorians and 20th century texters alike would say, it looks set to be a G8 experience!

* The Guardian

Sources: The Guardian; The Independent; British Library; Wikipedia (Stanley Unwin)