Image source, Cockney cultures
Two modern-day Burley Queens who continue the Cockney tradition of leading fundraising activities across London
An academic report has suggested that the idea of ”Cockney culture” could be used as a tool to fight prejudice.
Linguistic sociologist Dr Chris Strelov from the University of Warwick said people who speak non-standard English are subject to unfair stereotypes.
He said: “Assessing a language as good or bad, correct or incorrect, smart or stupid is a social judgment, which has no basis in linguistics.”
The upcoming month-long event will celebrate all 'not-so-posh Londoners'.
The Pearly King and Queen of Woolwich, Clive Bennett and his wife Kim, explain the Cockney tradition
The Cockney Modern Festival, organized by community group Cockney Cultures, is described as “a call to action, urging the community to protect and nurture linguistic diversity”.
Dr Strelov, author of Punks and Tea Leaves: Redefining Cockneys and Challenging Stereotypes, said: “Although the report focuses on a Cockney, it is relevant to all English people who invoke social prejudice and discrimination.”
The study debunks myths about Cockney slang arising from criminal activity, and highlights how it has historically flourished due to cross-cultural influences, adapting to each wave of newcomers.
Image source, Getty Images
Sparkling pearl quartet in traditional dress
What is cockney?
Image source, Getty Images
A Cockney Origin, by Isaac Cruikshank, showing a country family noticing a “cock's neighing”.
Identifying through imprecise phonetic boundaries automatically creates ambiguity.
The definition of the birth of the famous Cockney bow-bell is attributed to a 1571 sermon: “We examine all the Realme called Cockney which are born in London, or at the sound of the bow-bell.”
At the time, St Mary-le-Bow served as a common point of reference in central London (and was not used to distinguish Cockneys from other Londoners).
The Cockney Culture Foundation said social identities in contemporary Britain were now “more complex and multi-layered with people more likely to define themselves by a mixture of labels, such as Cockney Bengali, Cockney Black, Essex or Kent Cockney”.
To simplify matters, Cockney Cultures adopts the definition coined by comedian Arthur Smith: 'non-posh Londoners'.
Clive Bennett, Woolwich Pearl King, said: “Heritage is close to my heart, but it is also important for future generations to know and nurture our shared culture for their children’s children.
“Respecting your Cockney heritage sets you up for life to be more resilient and resourceful, and to look on the bright side when things get tough.”
Image source, Getty Images
I can't get much more Cockney than the late Barbara Windsor
The Modern Cockney Festival, which runs throughout March, includes pie and mash week, the launch of a virtual museum and talks on Cockney-related topics.
On March 3, the festival will celebrate “Speak Cockney Day” – a date chosen because it is “the one of the ‘one’”.
Listen to the best of BBC Radio London on Sounds and follow BBC London on Facebook, X And Instagram. Send your story ideas to hello.bbclondon@bbc.co.uk
