The answer is a resounding yes for a number of groups celebrating languages and dialects ranging from Geordie to British Sign Language, thanks to money raised by National Lottery players. Just last month in fact the British Library took a step closer towards their plans to save the nation’s sounds – including regional dialects!

If yow cor understond this it'll gerron yower wick

From Brummidge, Wolvo or Kiddie? Then yow probably understond the Black Country longwidge!

If you cor it no longer has to gerron yower wick. That’s because a bostin new project is creating an online game and film to celebrate the much-loved dialect and where it came from. Take a look at them in action during their BBC West Midlands TV appearance.

Silent language

For an estimated 50-70,000 people in Britain, British Sign Language (BSL) is their preferred language. From the earliest example of fingerspelling to being officially recognised by Government in 2003, BSL has developed in a society of changing attitudes, increased understanding and expanding communication tools. A team from University College London has charted its history from over 1,300 years ago to today. Take a look at their website to see what they discovered.  

Taakin Heeds

Headliners’ project was aal aboot the Geordie dialect. They found it was centuries auld with some words dating back to Anglo Saxon times. The young people involved used poetry, song and other creative methods to explore one of the UK’s most distinctive dialects. Listen in on their work with their Singing Hinnies film. You can also find out more on their project page.

Taves and Tir

While the Cornish language is listed endangered by UNESCO it is increasingly being seen as an important and valuable part of Cornwall’s culture. The Taves and Tir project is tracking the language’s lasting legacy in placenames and family surnames to reconnect the local community with their heritage. Find out more on the Kowethas an Yeth Kernewek website.