FAULTS OF SPEECH

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXX, Issue 21596, 14 September 1933, Page 10

FAULTS OF SPEECH

INSTRUCTOR'S ANALYSIS OXFORD ACCENT AND DRAWL / LONDON. Sept. 7 The remark by the Dominions Secretary, Mr. J. H. Thomas, that a Rhodes Scholar "dqes not use the Oxford accent, but the Morris-Oxford accent," is recalled in an article by Mr. St. John Rumsey, instructor of speech at Guy's Hospital. The writer says the Oxford accent is not due to incorrect mouth-shapes, such as is the speech of 'curates and cockneys, but to faulty basis of the vocal tone. This produces a drawl, giving the impression of weary rlpm with life generally, and - the immediate audience in particular. The faulty tone is due to incorrect voice-production. " The throat muscles are tensed, instead of relaxed," he says. " I am not aware why it is attributed to Oxford, when it is heard both in Oxford and Cambridge,, but it is even more preralont in '.artistic London.' There is more drawl in in Oxford and Cambridge combined." Commenting on professional differences of speech, Mr. Rumsey said that solicitors spea^r-slowly, to obtain time to think and remember what was said. Barristers speak quickly and incisively in order to muddle and frighten people.