Archive news from across the online press (including BBC News) on language, accents and dialects.

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	East End Cockney accent 'fading' A new form of accent is replacing the traditional Cockney in some parts of the East End, research has found. (BBC News, 22nd August 2005)

	Plain speaking Amid the rich variety of British regional accents one always stood apart as the benchmark by which all speech should be judged - Received Pronunciation, the accent of "educated south-eastern England". But RP is little heard these days. So how do people react when confronted with a cut-glass English accent of old? (BBC News, 19th August 2005)

	UK dialects 'strong and varied' Regional dialects in the UK are getting stronger, despite fears the South East accent or Estuary English is taking over, a BBC survey suggests. (BBC News, 15th August 2005)

	Muslims 'want sermons in English' A majority of British Muslims say clerics should preach in the English language, a BBC survey suggests. (BBC News, 11th August 2005)

	Cards to break language barrier Police are hoping to improve relations with ethnic communities by handing out contact cards in 13 languages. (BBC News, 11th August 2005)

	'Ruby Murray' officially English "Rocking up" to a restaurant for a "Ruby Murray" is now officially part of the English language, with the phrases making it into the Oxford Dictionary. (BBC News, 10th August)

	Call for Welsh in workplace laws A senior member of the Welsh Language Board has said a series of new laws are needed to create a bilingual Wales. (BBC News, 4th August 2005)

	Icelanders speak up for languages An academic behind one of the UK's more unique courses has condemned the policy of foreign languages being optional in schools after the age of 14. (BBC News, 31st August 2005)

	Language demo branded 'bullying' First Minister Rhodri Morgan has said attempts by Welsh language campaigners to disrupt his visit to the National Eisteddfod will not influence him. (BBC News, 2nd August 2005)