New Zealand accent
Sir, — Morton Evans (“The Press,” August 19) writes that the New Zealand accent “is not a pleasant sound,” and that it is “not a desirable change from standard English.” I think he is very much mistaken, and has confused the issue. There is nothing wrong with our accent, spoken in a clear and expressive way by a New Zealander. It has evolved, with some minor regional differences, from colonial times. However, there is a world of difference between our accent clearly produced, and some of our poor speech habits. Too often we hear speech distorted through half-open mouths and clenched jaws. The results are ugly, flat, and unacceptable. Our accent is a vital part of every New Zealander. Long may it develop and flourish. — Yours, etc., PATSY CREED. August 27, 1985.
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Press, 30 August 1985, Page 16
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134New Zealand accent Press, 30 August 1985, Page 16
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