As well all know, the Yorkshire accent is categorically the best of all northern accents. For anyone who wants to argue, let us point you to this recent study, where the Yorkshire accent was voted the most trustworthy in the UK
However, now new research from the Universities of Portsmouth and Cambridge has suggested that northern accents are at risk and could potentially die out completely within 45 years. Ey up?
Using physics modelling, university researchers mapped out how they thought northern accents will look by 2066 - and the results are rather shocking.
Research showed that much loved northern accents, such as the dry Yorkshire accent, the friendly Geordie and the instantly recognisable Liverpudlian accent, could be replaced by ‘posh’ south eastern pronunciations as soon as 2066.
And that's not all - pronunciation isn't the only thing that's predicted to change.
Some words, it was found, are disappearing across the country altogether - such as 'backend', used to describe autumn in the north, and 'fall' which is used similarly in the south.
That said, it seems that some north-south differences are likely to remain.
For example, 'strut’, (which currently rhymes with ‘foot’ in northern England), is expected to stop rhyming by 2066, whilst it's predicted we'll still be disagreeing on the correct pronounciation of 'bath' across the country for some time.
"In about 1900, almost everybody said "thawing" pronounced "thaw-wing", but the majority of people now pronounce the words "thawing" with an intrusive "r", which means it sounds like "thaw-ring". Our model predicts this change happened over about 25 years," said researcher Dr Burridge.
"We found that the word has changed because it was tricky to pronounce and children are more likely to pick up the easier pronunciation. This then becomes the norm."
"However, it hasn't changed everywhere yet because some major cities like Leeds and Manchester have rejected the change."
As well as comparing data from two prior dialect surveys, namely the Survey of English dialects (SED) and the English dialect app (EDA), SED researchers also interviewed a large number of older people to get a good picture of that generations dialects.
50,000 English speakers were also asked questions via an app regarding their use of language by EDA.
This information was then used to compile the models which have since suggested that northern accents could die out within 45 years.
News
Retail giant Uniqlo delays opening date for new Leeds store
It's official, Uniqlo is making its way to Leeds. Well, it's about time isn't it?
You may remember last June that murmurings of Uniqlo opening in Leeds were happening.
The news spread after planning documents appeared for new ‘Uniqlo’ signage on the Store House building on Briggate.
We've been keeping our fingers crossed that the news was actually true, and it is.
Uniqlo themselves have confirmed that three new stores will be popping up across the UK over the next two years, with one of them being right here in Leeds.
Image: The Hoot Leeds
Their first store of the roll-out opened in Birmingham's Bullring, followed by a new store in Bristol this year.
Leeds was also meant to open this year, but unfortunately, Uniqlo has announced things are delayed and its opening will be pushed into 2027.
The Leeds store will be 1,100 square metres and will be located on Briggate in the old House of Fraser site.
CGI mockups from firms Thirty One Design and Ink Associates include the glass fronted store with Uniqlo’s signature red signage hanging above the door and off the building.
These will be made from sheet metal with a “sprayed finish” – sounds pretty swanky if you ask us.
Uniqlo UK COO Alessandro Dudech stated: "Uniqlo remains committed to strengthening its presence within the UK retail sector by expanding both our physical store network and ecommerce capabilities nationwide.
"As part of this strategic initiative, we look forward to introducing Uniqlo to the communities and visitors in the North of England, at the new Leeds location and simultaneously reaching customers in the South West in Bristol's Cabot Circus.".
Uniqlo is known for its affordable and minimalist clothing, stocking everything from raincoats and puffer jackets to jeans and a wide range of accessories.
We’ll keep you updated on the timeframe, as to be honest we’re just as excited as you are to be welcoming Uniqlo to the high street.
Police urgently appeal after teenage boy was stabbed in Leeds over bank holiday weekend
Emily Sergeant
Detectives are appealing for witnesses after a teenage boy was stabbed in Leeds over the bank holiday weekend.
West Yorkshire Police explained that officers were called out to Roundhay Road at around at 6:05pm on Monday 31 August following reports that a 13-year-old boy had been stabbed, and once they arrived on the scene, the victim was located and subsequently taken to hospital, where he received treatment for an injury described as non-life-threatening.
Police say the incident occurred near to the Leeds West Indian Carnival, but are keen to assure the public that they believe this was an 'isolated and targeted' act.
Following further enquiries, it is now believed that the actual offence occurred on Shepherd’s Lane, potentially near the junction with Back Hares Avenue.
Investigating officers have released information on the suspect and identified several people they are keen to speak to.
As the police investigation is ongoing, Detective Chief Inspector Scott Hartley commented: "This is clearly a concerning incident in which a young teenage boy has suffered a significant stab wound.
"We have extensive enquiries ongoing, including house to house enquiries and reviewing CCTV. We are conscious though that this offence has occurred near to the Leeds West Indian Carnival and there will have been a large number of people in the vicinity who may not necessarily be from the Chapeltown area.
“The suspect for this offence is described as being male, around 15-16 years-old and was wearing a balaclava. He was with two girls. We are keen to speak to anyone who believes they may have seen this group in the area or who witnessed any part of this incident.
"Although this was a serious incident, our enquiries so far suggest it was an isolated and targeted act... [and] we remain focused on identifying those responsible and providing reassurance to the community."
Can you help? Anyone with information is asked to contact Leeds CID online, or by calling 101, quoting crime reference 13260496572.
Alternatively, information can be given anonymously to Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.
Georgina Pellant -
29th July 2021 
