Editing Accrington (section)

==Accrington dialect==
The dialect spoken in Accrington is part of the broader Lancashire dialect, which belongs to the larger category of Northern English dialects. This dialect has its roots in the Old English and Middle English languages, with influences from Old Norse due to the Viking invasions in the region.<ref name="Crosby 2000">{{cite book |title=The Lancashire Dialect |first=Alan |last=Crosby |year=2000 |publisher=Carnegie Publishing Ltd}}</ref> Features of the Accrington dialect include pronunciations, vocabulary, and grammatical structures that distinguish it from other dialects in the Lancashire region.

Vocabulary specific to the Accrington dialect may include words such as "ginnel" (a narrow passage between buildings) or "snap" (referring to a packed lunch or a meal taken to work).<ref>{{cite book |title=Lancashire English |first=Graham |last=Shorrocks |year=1999 |publisher=Helmut Buske Verlag}}</ref>

In terms of grammar, the Accrington dialect may exhibit features common to other Northern English dialects, such as the use of "thee" and "thou" for "you" and "were" instead of "was" in certain contexts.<ref>{{cite book |title=English Accents and Dialects: An Introduction to Social and Regional Varieties of English in the British Isles |first1=Arthur |last1=Hughes |first2=Peter |last2=Trudgill |first3=Dominic |last3=Watt |year=2012 |edition=5th |publisher=Routledge }}</ref> Additionally, the Accrington dialect might display non-standard verb conjugations and a preference for certain sentence structures or word order.

The Accrington dialect, like many local dialects, is subject to change and variation over time due to factors such as increased mobility, urbanization, and exposure to other dialects and languages.{{Citation needed|date=April 2023}}<!-- <ref name="Barber 2016 2–10">{{cite journal |title=The Disappearing Dialect: A Study of Language Variation and Change in Accrington |first=Michael |last=Barber |journal=English Today |year=2016 |volume=32 |issue=3 |pages=2–10 |doi=10.1017/S0266078416000196|doi-broken-date=26 March 2023 }}</ref>--> This may lead to a gradual loss or modification of certain dialect features and an increased convergence with more standardised forms of English.

===History of Accrington dialect===
The history of the Accrington dialect is intertwined with the broader history of the Lancashire dialect, as well as the linguistic influences that have shaped the region over time. Although specific information about the Accrington dialect's history is limited, it is reasonable to assume that it has been impacted by similar historical events and linguistic developments as the wider Lancashire area.

====Influence of Old English and Middle English====
The Accrington dialect has its roots in the Old English and Middle English languages that were spoken in England during the early and late medieval periods, respectively.<ref name="Crosby 2000"/> These languages formed the basis for many dialects in the region, including those spoken in Accrington. As the dialect evolved over time, it retained some elements of these early linguistic influences, which can be observed in the pronunciation, vocabulary, and grammar of the modern Accrington dialect.

====Impact of Viking invasions and Old Norse====
The Viking invasions during the late 8th to 11th centuries introduced the Old Norse language to the north of England, including the Lancashire region.<ref name="Crosby 2000"/> This contact between Old English and Old Norse speakers likely influenced the Accrington dialect and other Lancashire dialects, with some Old Norse words and grammatical features being incorporated into the local language. As a result, the Accrington dialect shares some common linguistic traits with other Northern English dialects that have been similarly impacted by the Old Norse influence.

====Development and changes over time====
The Accrington dialect, like other regional dialects, has undergone various changes and developments throughout its history. Factors contributing to these changes may include the expansion and decline of local industries, increased mobility and migration, and exposure to other dialects and languages.{{Citation needed|date=April 2023}}<!-- <ref name="Barber 2016 2–10"/> --> Additionally, educational policies and the influence of mass media may have played a role in shaping the modern Accrington dialect, as people in the area increasingly adopt more standardized forms of English in formal settings. Despite these changes, the Accrington dialect continues to exhibit unique features that distinguish it from other dialects in the Lancashire region and reflects the town's rich linguistic heritage.

===Pronunciation and phonetics===
The pronunciation and phonetics of the Accrington dialect are characterized by a few distinctive features that set it apart from other dialects in the Lancashire region. However, specific studies and resources focusing solely on the phonetics and pronunciation of the Accrington dialect are currently unavailable. The limited information available is largely based on the broader Lancashire dialect, which may encompass some of the features present in the Accrington dialect. The lack of specific studies or resources highlights a need for more research and documentation on the Accrington dialect to better understand its unique phonetic and pronunciation features.

====Vowel shifts and variations====
One example of a vowel shift in the Accrington dialect is the pronunciation of the word "acorn" as "akran".<ref name="The Literary Club"/> This variation demonstrates a tendency in the Accrington dialect to alter vowel sounds compared to Standard English. Other examples of vowel shifts specific to Accrington are not well-documented, but the "akran" example suggests that similar variations may exist in other words and phrases.

====Consonant changes====
Information on consonant changes specific to the Accrington dialect is scarce. However, based on the broader tendencies of Lancashire dialects and the limited available evidence, it is possible that the Accrington dialect exhibits consonant changes such as the pronunciation of "th" as "d" or "t" (e.g., "them" pronounced as "dem" or "tem") or the elision of certain consonants in some words. Further research is needed to identify and document specific consonant changes unique to the Accrington dialect.

====Accent and stress patterns====
The accent and stress patterns of the Accrington dialect have not been thoroughly documented in linguistic research. It is difficult to provide specific examples or details about the stress patterns in the Accrington dialect without more comprehensive data. Further study of the Accrington dialect's pronunciation and phonetics is necessary to fully understand its unique accent and stress patterns.

In conclusion, while the Accrington dialect exhibits some unique features, such as the pronunciation of "acorn" as "akran", more research and documentation are needed to provide a comprehensive understanding of the dialect's specific vowel shifts, consonant changes, and accent and stress patterns. The lack of specific studies on the Accrington dialect highlights an opportunity for linguists and researchers to further explore this unique dialect and its pronunciation and phonetics.

=== Local and regional words ===

    ''Ginnel'' - A local term for a narrow passage or alleyway between buildings, commonly found in Accrington and other Lancashire towns.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.greatbritishlife.co.uk/people/what-s-the-difference-between-a-ginnel-and-a-snicket-7031328|title=What's the difference between a ginnel and a snicket?|author=Paul Mackenzie|date=2019-07-30|publisher=Great British Life|accessdate=2023-03-22}}{{Dead link|date=May 2023 |bot=InternetArchiveBot |fix-attempted=yes }}</ref>

''Mither'' - A verb meaning to bother or annoy someone, or to be fussy or worried about something.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.lancashiretelegraph.co.uk/news/6117402.50-great-lancashire-words-phrases/|title=50 great Lancashire words and phrases|author=Vanessa Cornall|date=2004-08-02|work=Lancashire Telegraph|accessdate=2023-03-22}}</ref>

=== Industry and occupation-related terminology ===

    ''Tackler'' - A term referring to a skilled worker responsible for setting up and maintaining looms in the textile industry, which was used in Accrington during the 19th and early 20th centuries.<ref>{{cite book|last=Roberts|first=Elizabeth|title=Women's Work 1840-1940|year=1988|publisher=Cambridge University Press|pages=32}}</ref>

=== Landscape and geography-related vocabulary ===

    ''Clough'' - A term used in Accrington and other parts of Lancashire to describe a steep-sided, wooded valley or ravine, as in the case of Woodnook Clough.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.historicengland.org.uk/listing/the-list/list-entry/1019059|title=Woodnook Clough: a late prehistoric and Romano-British enclosed farmstead, 560m south east of Hollins Lane Farm|publisher=Historic England|accessdate=2023-03-22}}</ref>
    ''Brook'' - A small stream or watercourse, such as the Hyndburn Brook, which runs through Accrington.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://environment.data.gov.uk/catchment-planning/WaterBody/GB112071065520|title=Hyndburn Brook|publisher=Environment Agency|accessdate=2023-03-22}}</ref>