Pronunciation:
* Vowel Shifts: The vowel in words like "house" and "about" is pronounced with a short "o" sound, similar to "hot". "Bath" is often pronounced with a short "a" sound as in "bat".
* "Oo" sound for "u": Words like "food" and "put" are pronounced with an "oo" sound, similar to "foot".
* "Ay" for "a": Words like "name" and "make" are pronounced with an "ay" sound, similar to "say".
* "Eh" at the end of words: Words like "that" and "what" often have an "eh" added to the end, making them sound like "tha't" and "wha't".
* Rhotic accent: "R" is pronounced after vowels, unlike in many other English accents. So "car" is pronounced with a distinct "r" sound.
Vocabulary:
* Unique words and phrases: Many words specific to Lancashire, like "chuckle" (a small, weak, or half-hearted laugh), "ginnel" (a narrow alley), "mardy" (bad-tempered), and "scran" (food).
* Different meanings for common words: "Fancy" might mean "want" instead of "like". "Alright" can be used as a greeting, similar to "hello".
Grammar:
* Double negatives: "I haven't got none" is a common construction.
* Use of "thee" and "thou": These archaic forms of "you" are still used, particularly in rural areas.
* Word order: Sentences might be structured differently, like "I'm going to the shop I am" instead of "I am going to the shop".
Other Characteristics:
* Strong regional pride: People from Lancashire often take pride in their dialect and see it as a marker of their identity.
* Influenced by other dialects: Lancashire dialect has been influenced by neighbouring dialects, such as Yorkshire and Cumbrian, as well as by the broader Northern English accent.
It's important to note that Lancashire dialect varies across the region, with different areas having their own specific features and pronunciations.
If you are interested in learning more, there are resources available online and in libraries. There are also many dialect dictionaries and recordings that can help you explore the richness and diversity of Lancashire speech.