By KLTV Newsdesk –
A recent study by Preply, an accent class provider, revealed that the Yorkshire “Tyke” accent ranked sixth out of 50 accents across the UK in terms of likability.
Prominent in areas such as Leeds and Huddersfield, the Yorkshire accent is characterised by its broad vowels and short ‘a’ sounds, which have won over many Britons. Beyond its distinct phonetic qualities, the accent is associated with friendliness and warmth, traits that resonate with people. Often perceived as honest and down-to-earth, it remains a favourite despite some finding it slightly harsh. These qualities have cemented the Yorkshire accent as a cherished element of the UK’s linguistic heritage.
The study conducted by Preply drew from six distinct sources, incorporating AI technology and public surveys to assess accents based on attractiveness, comprehensibility, and likability. The research considered the nuances of interpersonal communication to provide a comprehensive evaluation of accents across the British Isles.
According to the findings, an accent’s desirability is influenced by its auditory appeal, ease of understanding, and unique cultural charm or prestige. Desirable accents typically feature fluidic rhythm and melodic tones, are acknowledged for their prestige, or encapsulate a unique regional character. In contrast, less preferred accents are often associated with negative stereotypes, linguistic complexity, or unfamiliarity.
The top three most desirable accents identified in the study were:
1. Southern Irish: Known for its melodic and fluid tones, reflecting the charm of Southern Ireland.
2. Queen’s English/Received Pronunciation: Associated with intelligence and authority, though sometimes viewed as pretentious.
3. Edinburgh: Recognised for its distinct ‘r’ and ‘ch’ sounds, pronounced like ‘k’, representing Scotland’s understated elegance.
Conversely, the study highlighted the three least appealing accents:
1. Manx (Isle of Man): A rare accent influenced by Gaelic, challenging to understand due to its rarity.
2. East Anglian: Unique but often perceived as lacking sophistication.
3. Surrey: Despite its proximity to Received Pronunciation, it is often considered too neutral.
The complete ranking from most to least desirable regional accents in the British Isles is as follows:
Sylvia Johnson, Head of Learning Methodology at Preply, commented on the findings, stating: “Our personal histories significantly influence our perception of different accents. Experiences, interactions, and places we’ve lived shape our feelings towards certain accents.
“The desirability of accents across the British Isles isn’t just about societal influence or cultural associations; it’s deeply personal, intertwined with our histories and experiences.”
Preply’s comprehensive ranking is based on research from various sources, including WordTips Research, YouGov Accents Study, Language Attitudes to Speech Study, Match.com, Big Travel 7, and Landívar Landa. By combining these insights, the study provides a nuanced view of accent desirability across the British Isles. You can learn more about Preply and their language courses on their website: https://preply.com/en/online/s/accent-reduction-tutors
For a detailed breakdown of the study’s findings, refer to the complete dataset here.
