The Sussex dialect

[Sussex Nomad]

The Sussex dialect is a subset of the Southern English dialect group. Historically, there were three main variants to the dialect: west Sussex (west of Shoreham and the river Adur), mid Sussex (between the Adur and Hastings) and east Sussex (from Hastings eastwards). There were also differences between downland and Wealden communities. In particular, the people of the Weald were thought to have the most impenetrable accents. The Sussex dialect shows remarkable continuity: the three main dialect areas reflect the historic county's history. The west and mid dialect areas reflect the ancient division of Sussex between East and West, which until the creation of the rape of Bramber in the 11th century lay along the river Adur. The eastern dialect area reflects the unique history of the Hastings area, which was home to the kingdom of the Haestingas until the 8th century.

So my question is: Does anyone still have the old Sussex accent or knows of someone that does?

 

[Chicken Run]

My step uncle has and you'll hear some in deepest darkest HPP, locals that is not the newbies who have moved there over the last 10 years!

 

[The Birdman]

They have the accent in Burwash but does that count as its in Kent

 

[Return of the Rev]

I can confirm the Dalek originated from horsham

 

[The Birdman]

On the hoarding at the new Waitrose building site in Haywards Heath they have had old sussex words designed by local school kids.

 

[Return of the Rev]

About 19 years ago got to pop into a couple down poets corner,the guy had a great Sussex accent and worked in farming around Sussex all his life. I assume he has passed away a few years agne of my calls i really looked forward to! God bless you Len!

 

[Sussex Nomad]

My next door neighbour when I lived in East Preston for over 30 years has the Sussex dialect, a proper oooh arr.

 

[Green Cross Code Man]

My next door neighbour when I lived in East Preston for over 30 years has the Sussex dialect, a proper oooh arr.

My granddad who passed away some years ago had a fantastic Wealden accent. I couldn't understand some of his family. I wish I could hear it now. I've mentioned before, the owner of the tyre place on the Broyle has a great old time accent.

 

[Green Cross Code Man]

They have the accent in Burwash but does that count as its in Kent

Naughty naughty! [emoji14]

 

[ozzygull]

As I have lived away from Brighton for a long time now, I can say there is definitely a Brighton/ Sussex accent. I can hear it when up here on the local news, someone is being interviewed from down there.

 

[Chief Wiggum]

 

[Green Cross Code Man]

Thanks so much! That is fantastic!

 

[Chief Wiggum]

This is a facinating site. Use the search engine.

http://sounds.bl.uk/Search

 

[albionite]

Come up a few times this subject twice recently.

https://nortr3nixy.nimpr.uk/showthread.php?331911-Wun-t-be-Druv&highlight=Sussex+accent

Can't find the other thread.

 

[ofco8]

As I have lived away from Brighton for a long time now, I can say there is definitely a Brighton/ Sussex accent. I can hear it when up here on the local news, someone is being interviewed from down there.

Yep, I have a "Brighton accent". When I used to work away everyone used to ask "what part of London are you from". Oh dear, nothing to be to proud of.

 

[Bladders]

Sounds West Country to me

 

[Lord Bracknell]

When my kids were young, they had school friends who lived in Firle, with parents who had lived in the village for several generations. The BBC were looking for a number of Sussex dialect speakers and signed up the whole family, including the kids, to play the parts.

 

[Lord Bracknell]

I know someone who talks exactly like that. Unsurprisingly, he lives in Battle as well.

 

[Green Cross Code Man]

Yep, I have a "Brighton accent". When I used to work away everyone used to ask "what part of London are you from". Oh dear, nothing to be to proud of.

I was brought up along the coast in Seaford. When I lived up north, that was the question I was asked as well. I think there is a south coast accent in Sussex. No Londoner would ever mistake it for a London accent.

 

[Two Professors]

Seafud a different,distinct accent to Brituurn.Alfriston definitely had a proper Sussex accent when I were a lad