Pronunciation:
* Vowel Sounds: Cockney features a distinctive set of vowel sounds, particularly in words like "about" (pronounced "aboot"), "bath" (pronounced "baath"), and "face" (pronounced "fayce").
* Dropping 'H's: Cockney speakers often drop the initial "h" sound in words like "house," "hair," and "hospital."
* Glottal Stops: Instead of saying the "t" sound at the end of words like "street" or "bit," Cockney speakers often use a glottal stop, a quick closure of the vocal cords.
* Rhyming Slang: Cockney uses rhyming slang, where a two-word phrase replaces a single word. For example, "trouble and strife" means "wife," and "plates of meat" means "feet."
Vocabulary:
* Unique Words and Phrases: Cockney features a number of unique words and phrases, such as "chinwag" (to chat), "cobblers" (nonsense), and "dodgy" (suspicious).
* Cockney rhyming slang: This is a unique feature where a two-word phrase replaces a single word, often with a rhyming element.
Rhythm and Intonation:
* Rapid Speech: Cockney speech can be very rapid and fluid, with words often blending together.
* Rising Intonation: Sentences often end with a rising intonation, giving the impression of asking a question even if it's a statement.
History and Social Context:
* Origins: The Cockney accent originated in the East End of London, a working-class area with a strong sense of community.
* Social Class: For many years, the Cockney accent was associated with the working class, and its use was seen as a marker of social status.
* Changing Perceptions: In recent years, the Cockney accent has become more widely accepted and is no longer seen as solely a working-class dialect.
Modern Cockney:
* Decline: Due to social mobility and the spread of standard English, the traditional Cockney accent has been declining in prevalence.
* Influence: However, its unique features continue to influence other regional accents and the way English is spoken in London.
The Cockney accent is a rich and vibrant part of London's cultural heritage. Though it's undergoing a period of change, it remains a recognizable and beloved accent, capturing the spirit and identity of the East End.