Spoken English
Salisbury MP makes a stand

Salisbury MP Robert Key will present a silver Challenge Cup for Spoken English to his old school this week, to encourage young people to speak good English.

Robert Key said, "I believe the quality of spoken English continues to be degraded and much of the character of the English language is therefore lost. The Americanisation of English has taken its toll (though we need to remember that William Shakespeare might have more easily recognised American than BBC English) and so has Estuary English".

"I am not for one moment seeking to impose some sort of 'standard' English. In fact, I regret the dilution of regional dialect which we are experiencing. What I am interested in is just good English. That is, English that can be heard and understood - which implies that the speaker should give proper attention to clear diction, clean consonants, well-formed vowels, attractive and meaningful intonation, thoughtful rhythm of speech and the avoidance of distracting speech mannerisms or accents which may degrade the message or distract the listener."

The first competition has been organised by Robert's old school, Salisbury Cathedral Choir School and will take place on Friday 30th June at 3.00 pm.

If you wish to attend, please contact the Headmaster, Salisbury Cathedral School, 1 The Close, Salisbury, SP1 2EQ Telephone: 01722 555300

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