Our developing language

Ah what memories of incomprehensible versions of English!
Many years ago, newly qualified as a librarian, I came up to Aberdeen and got a job in the Central Library. Perhaps only Alexander can fully understand the total bafflement with which I regarded the incomphensible comments addressed to me by members of the Aberdonain public. But, as with Bob, understanding came gradually.
Regarding the Geordie accent, I think my favorite joke regards the injured miner who consulted a doctor. (if you don't know the acent you need to understand that the word 'work' is pronounced to rhyme with 'fork', and 'walk' roughly rhymes with 'park'

Doctor: Can you walk?
Affronted miner: Worrk! I can hardly waalk!

 

Mmm. We might have overlapped by a couple of years, Alexander, not that I put in many hours in the Children's Department.

 

You mean the ones published in Caxton's time??!!