Rhondda Gold
Last updated: 03 December 2005
One of the best known Welsh accents developed in the coal mining heartlands of the Valleys.
The expert's viewProfessor David Crystal talks to Jane Harvey about the influence of mining on the Rhondda accent. With workers coming from all over Britain to the south Wales valleys, he says it was vital to develop a common, highly expressive accent that could be understood by everyone.
Mike Richards and Ivor England
Retired miners Mike Richards and Ivor England talk about the language they used down the mines and how people who moved to the area dropped their accent when they came to the area and spoke the same as everyone else.
Chris Jones
A local rugby coach talks about people's embarassment about their supposedly "common" Rhondda accent.
Souldriver
An aspiring young band from the Rhondda discuss how bands have always adopted funny accents that don't come from anywhere when the sing. They talk about the strong sense of community in the Rhondda and the difference in the way they speak to the "Wenglish" of the older generation.
your comments
Brenda, Middlesex
I love all Welsh accents especially the South Wales accent. It takes me right back to my childhood. Although I was born in England, I grew up listening to the accent because my late mother was born in Cwmfelinfach and her father was a miner there, born in Brecon of Scottish/English parents. Her mother was born in Pontypridd of Welsh speaking parents. The all spoke with a South Wales accent. I never knew at the time that I was learning "Wenglish". Although they moved to England in the 1930's to escape the harsh working conditions of a miner's life, they never lost their accents. Regarding the prejudice and snobbishness towards regional Welsh accents; I think this exists mainly within Wales itself because most English people can't tell the difference between one area and the next. I also think that when English people make fun of the Welsh accent it because of its "back to front" expressions and because Welsh people are more expressive. This is usually not meant maliciously and the Welsh should do what the English do when they are criticized i.e. ignore the critics. Finally, I would like to add that if you are a boorish, ignorant person, you will be ignorant in any language or accent. I hope this excludes me.
Ian Price from Cwmparc
Oddly enough there is no Rhondda accent per se. It has subtle differences from Blaencwm to Maerdy to Porth to Williamstown.
There is atendency to speak in 'Wenglish' though especially in informal situations. This way of speaking English throws up some amusing phrases such as "I do go", " Lets go then. Is it?" or " I'll be there now just". There's also a tendency to hear an odd exchange when two people meet in a street and one of them is carrying shopping. The shopping holder will say "I've just been shopping" To which comes the reply " Oh! You've been shopping have you?"
CJ from Cardiff
I was born and bred in Cardiff, South Wales and I have to say, my favourite Welsh accent is that of the Rhondda Valley.
LeAnn McRoberts, Los Angeles California
I am of Welsh heritage (Llwellyn on my mother's side) and she has told me that her ancestors came from this region. Not being from Wales, one tends to think that all Welsh sound alike and it's interesting to learn of this regional accent and that my ancestors may have spoken in this way. Personally, I love the sound of the accent. Thanks.
