"In 'ertford, 'ereford and 'ampshire..."

Today, the British Library announced its quest to record the way people articulate the English language, and in the process to pave the way towards categorising the changes taking place in the pronunciation of certain words.

Apparently, the sounds of words such as says, ate, mischievous, harass, garage, schedule and aitch (as in the letter 'h') is gradually shifting, with younger speakers showing a preference for different pronunciations to their elders.

Inevitably, all languages are subject to natural changes as they evolve over time - speakers are usually exposed to a whole variety of social and linguistic variables, including class, age, sex etc. Interestingly, however, several of the changes noted by the study have indicated that in some cases class and social standing no longer have a role to play in the pronunciation of certain words and sounds. Words such as schedule and aitch have finally bowed down to the influence of America and are now acceptedly pronounced as skedule and haitch respectively.

In many ways, the study provides a fascinating insight into the way our language has changed over time, and it has also provided a glimmer of hope for proponents of social mobility by showing how pronunciation of certain words has become less a matter of class and breeding and more a reflection of our dynamic and changing modern society.

Still, my inner pedant will never cease to cringe when I hear the likes of skedule and haitch pronounced on the street, and I reserve the right to glare witheringly at any individual who chooses to affront my ears in this manner. It's enough to make Henry Higgins turn in his fictional grave...