Sounds:
* "R" sounds: Somerset has a distinct "r" sound, often described as "rolled" or "trilled". It's similar to a Scottish "r" but not quite as strong. Think of "very" as "ver-ree" or "farm" as "fah-rm".
* "A" sounds: Somerset has a unique "a" sound, often described as "broad" or "open". It's like the "a" in "father" but slightly shorter. Think of "cat" as "caht" or "bad" as "bahd".
* Diphthongs: The "ai" and "oi" sounds are often pronounced differently, sounding like "ee" or "oo" respectively. Think of "rain" as "reen" or "boy" as "booy".
Intonation:
* Somerset accents tend to have a more even tone, with less emphasis on individual syllables.
* They often use a "rising" intonation at the end of sentences, making them sound like questions even if they aren't.
Words:
* Local vocabulary: Many words are unique to Somerset, such as "dumbledore" (bumblebee), "chuckle" (a type of bird), and "vuzzy" (confused).
* Pronunciation variations: Words like "bath" and "grass" might be pronounced differently, depending on the specific Somerset dialect.
Practice:
* Listen to recordings: There are many recordings of Somerset accents online, such as interviews or documentaries. Pay attention to the pronunciation and intonation.
* Find a tutor: If you really want to learn, find a tutor who can teach you face-to-face.
* Practice speaking: The more you practice, the better you'll get!
Remember, there's no single "Somerset accent." Each town and village has its own unique dialect. So, try to find recordings or resources that represent the specific Somerset accent you're interested in.
Have fun learning!