Paeleography and geography

Nelli

Nelli

Well-Known Member
I think I would be justified in speaking for us all when I say that sometimes handwriting and spelling can be a challenge, particularly with old records. I would be surprised if there is anyone on here who hasn't struggled with it.

When my sister was doing her undergraduate degree, part of it included interpreting old records. There was a word that despite her palaeographical skills, she could not decipher, so she went to her tutor for assistance. He looked at the record and said; "this record is based around Newton Abbot. Now say that word that you can't decipher in a broad Devon accent". Suddenly, Ashburton was clear to her.

The point of this waffle being, if you are stuck on a word, say it in the accent of the region and sometimes, all will be clear.
 
It is the same with names.
For a long time I struggled with so many in my husband's ag lab Oxfordshire family bearing the name - Oliffe.
One day I had a light bulb moment:)
Broken down Ol - if - fer = Oliver
FIL had it as his middle name:rolleyes:
 
My great grandfather's oldest brother was born in 1838 but does not appear on the 1841 census with his parents - so I thought. Instead was this girl of the same age named Sarah.

But this was him! His name was Pharoah which, if pronounced in a flat Essex accent would come out as "Fairer".... not a million miles away from Sarah! :D
 
I can't resist telling you my favourite accent story.

In the 1980s I went to visit a customer in Swansea with my colleague , Geoff.
In the pub at lunchtime Geoff, with his strong Midlands accent, asked the very Welsh barmaid for a pint of cider. She said" A pint of soda??"
He tried again but she was still mystified.
He said very slowly and deliberately "Are- you-Swedish?"
To which she replied in a very Welsh accent "No way!"
"Oh- Norway" said Geoff.
By which time I was a helpless heap.
 
Findem said:
I've heard Canadians pronounce out as more like owt like the Essex accent, owt doesn't quite represent the Essex accent but I can't think of a more accurate to write it.
Click to expand...
Yes we say OWt! That's the only way to say it!! Mind you. people can tell I am not a native born in Ontario. The west speaks clearer than the east ( i.e..Ontario) and then there is the east coast...their accents are more Scottish and Irish !!
 
Try the old Radnorshire dialect. Read the poem from 1903 found here (scroll down) and you'll see what I mean (hope it's ok to post this :nailbiting:)

Code: 
https://terrydrayton.wixsite.com/knighton/clock-tower
 
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