The British Library The British Library http://sounds.bl.uk/JISC ASR IPR STATUS LIST.xls Conversation in Builth Wells (Llanfair-ym-Muallt) about accent, dialect and attitudes to language. C1190/41/04 BBC Voices Recordings BBC warning: this interview contains language which some may find offensive. Recording made for BBC Voices project of a conversation guided by a BBC interviewer. The conversation follows a loose structure based on eliciting opinions about accents, dialects, the words we use and people's attitude to language. [00:00:00] Comment that if the sheep move down the hill it means the weather will be rough that night. Speakers introduce themselves, describe their occupations and interests. Discussion about first time they heard their own recorded voice, attitudes towards their accent, how accent varies locally. Mention various local sayings, their meaning and use; nicknames that people are known by locally, mostly older generation.[00:10:36] Anecdotes about other peoples reactions to their accent, good and bad. Discussion about attitudes towards regional accents, which one they would/wouldnt choose if they had to have another accent. Mention reasons why she wouldnt like to lose Welsh accent, using Welsh words/sayings when speaking English. Discussion about problems other people have understanding their speech, peoples reactions to them being unable to speak Welsh.[00:20:15] Discussion about thinking they dont sound very Welsh, experiences of being unable to speak Welsh/going to Welsh language classes. Desire to be able to speak Welsh, why she hasnt encouraged her children to learn Welsh, Welsh lessons at school.[00:27:27] Discussion about being judged by other people on their speech, singing in Welsh, telephone voice, changing speech when talking to different people. Description of father/son relationship, work they do together, relationship with his mother, importance of accent in establishing career. Description of competitions they have participated in: Rob representing Wales in 2003 sheep-shearing competition, how to be good at wool-rolling; James winning Mr Ambassador at Royal Welsh Show in 2004. What James would like to do in future, comment that he will retain his Welsh accent wherever he goes.[00:38:38] Discussion about use of swear words and attitudes towards swearing, how this has changed over time, correcting children, influence of media. Reasons for swearing, euphemisms, farmers swearing at dogs out in field.[00:49:06] Discussion of words used to describe EMOTIONS. Mention why they havent moved to United States. Anecdote about calling school secretary a grumpy old cow out of earshot when annoyed with her.[00:54:24] Discussion of words used to describe PERSONAL ATTRIBUTES.[00:57:32] Discussion of words used to describe WEATHER AND SURROUNDINGS. Mention where they spend most time in house as family.[01:00:39] Discussion of words used to describe CLOTHING.[01:01:43] Discussion of words used to describe ACTIONS. Mention words used to mean attractive/unattractive/moody.[01:04:12] Discussion of words used to describe PEOPLE AND THINGS. Mention words used to mean running water smaller than a river/to play truant.[01:09:52] Mention various local words/phrases, how they are used. Attitudes towards getting rid of regional accents, what would be lost if they disappeared. Anecdote about misunderstanding over vocabulary in United States. 2004-11-26 Builth Wells (Llanfair-ym-Muallt), Powys sound Evans, Joanne Claire, 1978 Feb. 15- (speaker, female social worker) Healey, James, 1989 March 16- (speaker, male student) Healey, Janet Caroline (Jan), 1970 March 08- (speaker, female interviewee farmer and development officer) Healey, Robert Alan (Rob), 1967 Dec. 22- (speaker, male farm contractor and lorry driver) Price, Elizabeth Margaret Glenys, 1931 Jan. 11- (speaker, female housewife) Morgan, Anita, 1932 August 06- (speaker, female) Radio Wales 01:14:56