This post presents a newly drawn map of British English dialects, created by the author in 2023. It visualizes regional variations in pronunciation, vocabulary, and grammar, grouping dialects into broader categories such as 'Northern', 'East Midlands', and 'South West'. The map is intended as a simplified representation of a complex linguistic landscape, acknowledging the inherent difficulties in definitively delineating dialect boundaries. While based on existing research and data, the author emphasizes its subjective nature and encourages discussion and feedback on its accuracy.
BritCSS is a humorous CSS framework that replaces American English spellings in CSS properties and values with their British English equivalents. It aims to provide a more "civilised" (British English spelling) styling experience, swapping terms like color for colour and center for centre. While functionally identical to standard CSS, it serves primarily as a lighthearted commentary on the dominance of American English in web development.
Hacker News users generally found BritCSS humorous, but impractical. Several commenters pointed out the inherent problems with trying to localize CSS, given its global nature and the established convention of using American English. Some suggested it would fragment the community and create unnecessary complexity in workflows. One commenter jokingly suggested expanding the idea to include other localized CSS versions, like Australian English, further highlighting the absurdity of the project. Others questioned the motivation behind targeting American English specifically, suggesting it stemmed from a place of anti-American sentiment. There's also discussion about the technical limitations and challenges of such an undertaking, like handling existing libraries and frameworks. While some appreciated the satire, the consensus was that BritCSS wasn't a serious proposal.
Summary of Comments ( 107 )
https://news.ycombinator.com/item?id=43734953
HN commenters generally enjoyed the linked map of British English dialects, finding it interesting and well-presented. Some pointed out its limitations, noting that it simplifies a complex reality and misses nuances within regions. A few users shared personal anecdotes about dialectal differences they've encountered, while others discussed the influence of migration and language evolution on regional accents. There was some debate about the accuracy of specific classifications, particularly regarding the Geordie and Mackem dialects. The creator of the map also participated in the discussion, clarifying some design choices and responding to feedback. A significant thread developed around the absence of Estuary English, with users debating its classification and whether its prominence merited inclusion.
The Hacker News post "A Map of British Dialects (2023)" has generated a moderate number of comments, many of which delve into specific regional variations and personal experiences with British dialects.
Several commenters discuss the accuracy and granularity of the map presented in the linked article. Some point out that the map simplifies complex dialect boundaries and omits certain distinct accents. For example, one commenter mentions the absence of the Potteries dialect, while another highlights the distinctness of accents within London itself. This leads to a broader discussion about the difficulty of mapping dialects precisely, given their fluid and overlapping nature.
There's a notable thread discussing the influence of geographical features and historical migration patterns on dialect development. One comment explains how the Pennines acted as a natural barrier, leading to the divergence of dialects on either side. Another commenter mentions the impact of Scandinavian settlement on northern English dialects, while yet another notes the influence of Irish immigration on Liverpool's accent.
Personal anecdotes feature prominently in the comments section. Several users share their experiences of encountering different British dialects, both within the UK and abroad. One commenter recounts a story of being mistaken for a foreigner in their own country due to their regional accent. Another describes the challenges of understanding certain strong dialects. These personal narratives add a human element to the discussion, illustrating the real-world impact of dialect variations.
Some comments focus on specific linguistic features of different dialects, such as vocabulary, pronunciation, and grammar. One commenter discusses the use of "while" instead of "until" in certain areas, while another explains the origin of the term "Scouse." These comments provide insights into the nuances of British English and highlight the rich diversity of linguistic expression within the UK.
Finally, a few comments touch upon the social perceptions and stereotypes associated with different dialects. Some commenters lament the prevalence of Received Pronunciation (RP) in the media, arguing that it marginalizes regional accents. Others discuss the perceived prestige or lack thereof associated with certain dialects. This aspect of the discussion highlights how dialect can be a marker of social identity and can influence perceptions of individuals and communities.