Latest news with #Scouse
Daily Record
10 hours ago
- General
- Daily Record
Scottish accents may be 'hard to understand' but they could help you learn Dutch
Scottish accents are notoriously hard to follow but they could help you learn a new language faster The Scottish accent is known for being one of the hardest in the world to understand. Whether it's rolling your 'R's speaking in harsher, guttural sounds, or using too much slang, we can certainly leave a lot of people flummoxed. Half of Americans say the Scottish accent is the toughest to get their head round, with the Glaswegian accent always coming up as the one most likely to raise an eyebrow and leaving an out-of-towner particularly confused. However, new research from Preply is turning that perception on its head. The study suggests that the Glaswegian accent could actually offer an unexpected advantage - learning languages faster, thanks to its characteristics. The distinct rhythm and cadence of Glaswegian speech align with languages like German, and Dutch, where strong emphasis on syllables and guttural sounds can be important in conveying meaning. This makes it easier for Glaswegian speakers to adapt to languages with similar speech patterns. The Glaswegian accent has been showcased on the world stage many times by the likes of comics Billy Connolly and Kevin Bridges. But how might region accents improve language skills? "Generally, accents can help with language learning because they train your ear to recognise and reproduce sounds," Anna Pyshna, spokesperson at Preply, explained. "At the beginner level, language is mostly oral-oriented - you don't need perfect grammar, but it helps to know how to pronounce common words. "Ultimately, accents are not just about how we speak, they shape our ability to produce certain sounds." Three other British accents - Geordie, Scouse, and Brummie - were also highlighted in the study, each offering unique phonetic traits that support language learning in different ways. Folk from Newcastle have a glottal stop - a sound made by closing the vocal chords. This helps with languages including Danish, Czech, and even Hebrew, and Thai. Liverpool residents speak with a rolled 'r' sound, like in Spanish, Russian and Italian. Scouse speakers find it easier to master the trilled 'r' pronunciation. Its rising and falling tones are also well suited to Welsh, Irish, and Cantonese. Elsewhere, over in Birmingham, people speak in a monotone nature with long stretches on the same note. This will help if Brummies want to have a stab at Finnish or Russian. What's more, to expose more people to different accents, Preply has launched a unique Spotify series of accent-based sleep soundscapes, using Geordie, Scouse, Glaswegian, and Brummie voices. This is designed to boost language retention through passive auditory learning, as studies show that during deep sleep, the brain can keep forming new linguistic associations, especially when exposed to familiar phonetic rhythms. Not only will this help Glaswegians pick up new languages more intuitively, but it will help others tune their ear to the Glaswegian accent and appreciate its linguistic value - and make misunderstandings a thing of the past. Join the Daily Record WhatsApp community! Get the latest news sent straight to your messages by joining our WhatsApp community today. You'll receive daily updates on breaking news as well as the top headlines across Scotland. No one will be able to see who is signed up and no one can send messages except the Daily Record team. All you have to do is click here if you're on mobile, select 'Join Community' and you're in! If you're on a desktop, simply scan the QR code above with your phone and click 'Join Community'. We also treat our community members to special offers, promotions, and adverts from us and our partners. If you don't like our community, you can check out any time you like. To leave our community click on the name at the top of your screen and choose 'exit group'.
The Guardian
4 days ago
- General
- The Guardian
What have I seen in Liverpool this week? Kindness in person and conspiracies online
'This doesn't sound good at all.' The message flashed up on a group chat I am in with other journalists in Liverpool and Merseyside. My blood cooled instantly upon reading it. I have heard those words before and I know what they mean. They mean something has happened. Something big and something bad. It wasn't long before we all started to realise quite how big and quite how bad. After a day of joyous celebration that turned Liverpool into a sea of brilliant red, hundreds of fans were heading back into the city when they looked up to see an ambulance moving through a temporarily pedestrianised route on its way to help a stricken individual. The fans, anxious to assist, moved to the side, when a Ford Galaxy suddenly emerged from behind it and in a few terrible moments, turned elation and harmony into chaos and pain. At a time when social media is such an unreliable and often malicious source of information, we had to try to verify exactly what had happened in Water Street and the truly grim clips that emerged made us all fear the absolute worst. I am still amazed and relieved that no lives were lost. The news that those who were hospitalised are said to be stable and recovering well is something everyone in this city and beyond will continue to treasure. And we are also grateful for the many stories of kindness, generosity and that well-known scouse solidarity that have offered rays of sunshine to combat the dark cloud that Monday evening's events have left hanging over this unique and vibrant place. On Thursday, Paul Doyle, a 53-year-old man from Liverpool, was charged with multiple offences in connection with the attack and will make his first court appearance on Friday. Those qualities of solidarity so in evidence this week will continue to be needed. I'm talking about the dozens of Liverpool pubs that kept their doors open late into the night as people left stranded and separated from loved ones tried to figure out their plans amid the chaos. I'm talking about the cabbies and car owners who flooded social media with offers of free lifts. I'm talking about Kerrie and John Davies from Wallasey, who – along with staff from their travel company – ran continual free shuttle buses to help more than 400 people get home from Liverpool city centre. And I'm talking about Ellis Matthews, whose dad was hit by the car as it ploughed along Water Street and who chased after it with many others, bravely putting their own lives at risk as they fought to stop the driver from injuring anyone else. There are many, many more examples that show how the people of this city and this region did what they always do: step up when people need them the most. A glance at social media on that frantic night showed the best of humanity – as offers of help poured in – but of course it showed the very worst as well. It wasn't long before a grim parade of bad faith actors were springing gleefully on to the trauma of what those in Water Street had faced, desperate to stir up hatred, division and chaos in the name of whatever malevolent cause they currently subscribe to. Our region knows just how dangerous such actions can be. We saw what happened after Southport. We know the pivotal role that poisonous misinformation played in bringing that hell to our streets. Merseyside police officers were among the first to arrive at those unspeakable scenes in Southport last summer, and some of the same officers found themselves being attacked by bricks from an angry, misinformed mob the next night. It is clear that the force was desperate to avoid such turmoil after Monday's incident in Water Street, and the decision to quickly release the fact that the only suspect was a white British man from Liverpool and that the incident was not being treated as terrorism was entirely understandable and – because of that painful context – the correct one. But it won't be enough for some. There are many operating in the hellscape of social media today who will never be content with any explanation that doesn't fit their narrative. There are still plenty who are continuing to plaster all kinds of bizarre and unfounded conspiracies across social media in an increasingly desperate bid for validation and engagement – without a second thought for those who are continuing to recover. As journalists all we can do to counter this rising torrent of online bile is to report the facts as and when we get them – and only when we know them to be true. We have to hope that the quiet majority will turn to trusted sources at times of uncertainty and trauma. One fact we absolutely know to be true is that Liverpool is a resilient city. This is a place with a spirit of mind, character and solidarity forged through the collective painful experiences of Hillsborough, of Thatcher, of austerity. It is a place that has picked itself up off the canvas time and time again – and has done so with extra resolve, with even more fortitude, with another big helping of togetherness. That powerful concoction will be badly needed as Liverpool comes to terms with a day of celebration that turned into a night of devastation. But if any city can come together and recover again, we know it is the beautiful one that lies on the banks of the River Mersey. The fee for this article will be donated to the fundraiser set up for the victims of Monday's incident in Liverpool Liam Thorp is political editor at the Liverpool Echo
Wales Online
27-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Wales Online
Married at First Sight star says 'it could have easily been me' as he misses Liverpool parade crash by 'meters'
Married at First Sight star says 'it could have easily been me' as he misses Liverpool parade crash by 'meters' A Married at First Sight star says he witnessed the horrific Liverpool parade crash and missed it by "meters" The Married at First Sight groom witnessed the crash (Image: E4 ) A day of celebration and joy for Liverpool was brought to an horrific halt when a car drove through crowds of people at the Liverpool FC parade. Tens of thousands of fans converged on the city to celebrate one the Liverpool winning the Premier League with a parade and now 50 lay injured in hospital as authorities establish what happened. A Married at First Sight star has said he could have "easily" been hit by the car and narrowly escaped by "meters" after witnessing the event. Jordan Gayle, who appeared in the 2023 series of Married at First Sight UK, said he was on Water Street in the city and witnessed the incident. In a video posted to his Instagram story, Jordan is clearly shaken after seeing the crash. For the latest TV and showbiz news sign up to our newsletter . He said: "I need to come on and say that I'm all too aware of what happened today, the tragic scenes. "I want to say first and foremost my thoughts and prayers go to the ones that have been affected and hope everyone is alright. "I was literally on the road as it happened. Article continues below "It's not going to fully sink in yet what I've witnessed but I feel incredibly lucky to have missed it by a few seconds and a few meters. "It could have easily been me. "I hate that not everyone was as lucky as me. "I feel unlucky to have witnessed and seen what I have seen today. "I just want to wish everyone well and know that when I am posting, I've got stories up of the celebration, obviously I am all but aware it's a very sad day as well, as well as a day to celebrate the title parade." Jordan took to his Instagram story (Image: Jordan Gayle/Instagram ) Jordan was married to Erica Roberts on Married at First Sight and while they did stay together after the show, they split in February 2024. Jordan also famously clashed with fellow groom Luke Worley on MAFS, which resulted in a physical fight and Luke having to leave the show. Jordan is not the only celebrity who was at the celebration parade to talk about the crash. Scouse comedian John Bishop, said: "I was at the parade today with my Dad and like everyone else I am shocked and heartbroken about the events at the end of the Liverpool parade. "My heart goes out to all those affected. Our anthem could not be more appropriate You'll Never Walk Alone" he said followed by a red love heart emoji. Just before 8pm on Monday, May 30 Merseyside Police issued a further update confirming a 53-year-old white British man from the Liverpool area had been arrested in connection with the incident. Prime Minister Keir Starmer also issued a statement following the incident. In a statement he said: "The scenes in Liverpool are appalling — my thoughts are with all those injured or affected. I want to thank the police and emergency services for their swift and ongoing response to this shocking incident. "I'm being kept updated on developments and ask that we give the police the space they need to investigate." At a press conference held late on Monday, May 27 it has been confirmed that two people, including a child, suffered serious injuries. Article continues below Twenty-seven patients in total were taken to hospital. Four of the injured were children. Twenty patients were treated at the scene for minor injuries that did not require hospital treatment. Read more on the incident, here.
Daily Mirror
26-05-2025
- Sport
- Daily Mirror
Paddy Pimblett stuns fans with bold Jon Jones vs Tom Aspinall prediction
Pimblett was quick to offer his verdict on the fight amid talks of a potential heavyweight dust-up between the stars at some point this year UFC lightweight star Paddy Pimblett is backing Jon Jones to defeat his compatriot Tom Aspinall amid talks of a potential fight. A lifelong fan of Jones, the Scouse fighter did state that Aspinall has what it takes to dethrone the heavyweight king, but he cannot bring himself to bet against 'Bones'. It has been nearly a year since fans have last seen Aspinall inside the cage. The Brit won the interim title against Sergei Pavlovich back in 2023 before successfully defending it last July against Curtis Blaydes. Since claiming the undisputed strap after beating Ciryl Gane two years ago, Jones has only defended his title once - a knockout victory over Stipe Miocic last November. Following the win in New York, 'Bones' has been tipped to face the Wigan warrior next, but nothing has yet been finalised. That said, UFC chief Dana White is optimistic about finalising the details, leading fight fans and fighters everywhere to speculate on the outcome. Weighing in during a UFC fan event in Liverpool, Pimblett said: "I love Aspinall, me lad, he's my mate and that, but I can never pick against Jon Jones because we've never seen him get beat. "I think now, if anyone's going to beat him, it is Aspinall. Aspinall could just knock him out and come out with his hands and knock him clean out. But I've never picked against Jon Jones. I've been watching Jon Jones since he became champ when I was a kid, know what I mean? "Since I started watching the UFC in like 2009, 2010, I've been watching Jon Jones since then, even before he won the belt. I can remember watching the fight live when he got disqualified for the 12-to-6 elbows. "That's how long I've been watching Jon Jones. It's just the way he game plans. He finds a way to beat someone, and he works on that exact thing on how to beat them. If anyone's going to beat him, it's Aspinall." In a recent chat with UFC legend Demetrious Johnson, Aspinall confessed that the ongoing delays have taken a greater mental toll than his career-threatening injury. Back in 2022, during his first encounter with Blaydes, the match ended tragically within seconds as Aspinall sustained a severe knee injury, which kept him out of action for over a year. The 32-year-old has since spoken about the mental strain of being sidelined for such an extended period. "It was obviously devastating to get injured in front of everybody and stuff. But anyway, it was a tough time for me. Came back, took me a year with the rehab... So it was a tough couple of months mentally. "But I always had a little goal to work towards. Now, I've been almost a year inactive with no prospect of anything apart from wait. So now is actually a little bit more of a tricky time for me mentally than it was then. I constantly had little goals to work towards, whereas now it's like, 'Right, just be ready and we'll let you know', it's kind of difficult mentally."
Daily Mirror
24-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Daily Mirror
Tom Grennan discusses friendship with Mel C after showstopping Big Weekend duet
Tom Grennan was one of the performers at the 2025 BBC Radio 1 Big Weekend festival where he took to the Main Stage - and drove fans wild when he brought out Mel C to join him Tom Grennan has opened up about his surprising friendship with Spice Girls icon Mel C. The 29-year-old Little Bit of Love singer was one of the star performers at the 2025 Radio 1 Big Weekend in Liverpool. Taking to the stage on Friday, the star, who is from Bedford, was joined by I Turn to You singer Mel, 51, where they sang together. The duo entertained the crowds by sharing anecdotes as well as singing Mel's hit song When You're Gone, which she originally performed with Bryan Adams. Tom said after his set on the Main Stage at Sefton Park: 'Mel is a good mate of mine, but she's a Scouse legend too so it just felt the perfect chance to do something a bit special together - thankfully she was up for it! 'The whole event was just a brilliant experience and getting a few mates out on stage to join me really gave it an extra bit of something on top, but doing something marking the memory of the Hillsborough victims just felt right. 'Mel is such a supporter of that cause too, she really understands what it means to local people and has been involved with raising money for the support group over the years.' Wearing a retro Everton shirt while Mel wore a 90s Liverpool kit, the pair talked movingly about 'uniting the city' with Tom later adding: 'It's a special city with an amazing history, and obviously an incredible sporting rivalry, so hopefully we managed to get the tone just right. 'There were a few bantery boos from the Everton fans when Mel came out in the retro Liverpool kit, so I ran backstage and changed into an old Everton one to redress the balance, it seemed to go down well. 'Hopefully people had a great time as well as taking a second to remember the 97 people who lost their lives as a result of the Hillsborough disaster.' Tom was also joined by local rockers The Zutons, YouTuber KSI and pal Ella Henderson. The Mirror also caught up with The Saturdays star Mollie King at the music event - with the star appearing days after her triumphant return to the air following her most recent maternity leave. 'It's so good to be back,' she told me - and said she was made up to be reunited with co-host Matt Edmonson. 'I've missed this guy. He was the first person to visit and meet the little one.' The Saturdays star welcomed her second daughter, Lilliana, with cricketer Stuart Broad in January. Telling me she's got the mum juggle down to a tee, she said: 'I've got the best of both worlds. I see my best friend in the afternoon and then my girlies, and Stuart, in the morning. To have cuddles with the girls and then do the radio show is perfect.' Mollie and Matt open day three of the festival with a DJ set - and are promising some dance moves. 'It'll be fun,' said Matt. 'There will be lots of hands in the air. Timber by Pitbull will 100% be on the list.' 'I think we should practice a little routine,' added Mollie. That will be festival high - but Matt shared one experience which hit a bum note. 'I was at Tea In The Park,' he said. 'I was on a golf buggy. There was a lattice fence and I saw a guy take a s*** against that fence. That was quite a low point. It was like one of those Playdo fun factories.'
