Forest of Dean English

Forest of Dean English
Vorest
Native toUnited Kingdom
RegionForest of Dean
EthnicityForesters
Early forms
Latin (English alphabet)
English Braille, Unified English Braille
Language codes
ISO 639-3None (mis)

Forest of Dean English, also known as Vorest[1] (/vɒrɛst/), Vurust[2] or Varest[3] within the dialect itself, is a dialect of English spoken in the Forest of Dean, Gloucestershire, in the West Country of England.[4] The dialect is distinctive for its notable way of speaking,[1] such as: a continued use of 'thee' and 'thou' and a lyrical manner of speech, reminiscent of iambic pentameter.[2] The dialect is in danger of assimilation into West Country English, or outright extinction, due to discrimination against speakers, mass media and social media.[1] Vorest receives no formal recognition from the UK Government or any other authority. It has no written standard form, nor is it formally taught in schools.[1]

References

  1. ^ a b c d "Learn Forest Speak". BBC Online. BBC Gloucestershire. 2005. Archived from the original on 21 March 2025. Retrieved 24 June 2025.
  2. ^ a b Hughes, Janet (6 September 2020). "Ow Bist? How to speak like a proper Forester". Gloucestershire Live. Reach plc. Archived from the original on 27 June 2025. Retrieved 24 June 2025.
  3. ^ "Forest Dialect by Dr Michelle Straw". English Bicknor Local History Group. 13 September 2018. Archived from the original on 14 January 2025. Retrieved 24 June 2025.
  4. ^ Handley, Bethany (2 May 2022). "On 'Umbug'". Poetry Foundation. Archived from the original on 21 March 2025. Retrieved 24 June 2025.

Further reading

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