According to linguistics expert Dr. Amanda Cole of the University of Essex, the Cockney dialect remains a great influence in the English accents spoken around the world. Although the pure form of the traditional Cockney accent appears less common today, its influence can be found throughout the UK, such as in Glasgow, and even down under across Australia and New Zealand.
A Shift from Bow Bells to Essex
The Cockney dialect, historically tied to those born within earshot of London’s Bow Bells, has shifted to Essex, carried by families leaving the East End over the last century. This shift has given rise to what Dr. Cole describes as “modified Cockney” or estuary English, a blend of Cockney and standard southern English accents.
Young people in Essex today speak a version of Cockney that is softer and less extreme than their East End ancestors,” notes Dr. Cole. For instance, whereas classic Cockney drops the “h” or pronounces “mouth” as “mash,” speakers from the newer generation in Essex still use a bit of the Cockney pronunciation but apply them to current modes of speech.
Cockney Across Continents
Its influence is clearly evident in Australia and New Zealand. According to Dr. Cole, the Australian and New Zealand pronunciation of the vowel sounds that cause “bake” to be pronounced more like “bike” is due to the settlement by Cockney speakers.
Media has also played a role in spreading this linguistic diffusion, but migration has been the key factor. For example, viewers of EastEnders in Glasgow have taken some of the Cockney accents. This is also evidence of their cultural influence.
Cockney Dialect’s Worldwide Influence: A Lingua Cultural Legacy
A Changing Accent
Dr. Cole points out that, while the legendary Cockney accent that one would associate with a figure like Dame Barbara Windsor or Ray Win stone is being lost to younger generations, the dialect itself is by no means dying out. It has, instead, changed and dispersed into a larger southeastern accent still containing its unique flavor.
Researchers also argue that the late Queen Elizabeth II also subtly expressed the traits of Cockney language, to which the changes in pronunciation slowly took the route towards estuary English in wider alterations within the southern accents in England.
Linguistic Heritage
“The Cockney dialect has lived a vibrant life,” said Dr. Cole. It has traveled the world, been carried by generations of linguistic heirs, and even made its way to the palace. It is not dead, but merely evolved and now lives in new homes such as Essex.
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