Location: Berlin, Germany; originally London, England, United Kingdom
Project participation: Estuary English, Eastern American English, New Hampshire English, Northern Hampshire English

i, I’m Gary Taylor, 33 years old, and I’m originally from the Northeast London/Essex border, although I now live in Berlin. Looking back through the archives I made my first tentative posting to the list back in May 2002, having been a ‘lurker’ for a while longer. Since then, there’s been no stopping me, being one of the more vocal list members.

I’m currently studying for my PhD in Linguistics concentrating on Germanic dialects which is what first attracted me to the list, being fascinated by the actual way people speak, as opposed to ‘standardised’ languages, and this list seemed ideal as it treats dialects with respect and doesn’t patronise. This of course includes my own dialect (‘Estuary’ English)—another area of interest for me.

Since being on the list I’ve learnt a great deal. I naturally find anything to do with linguistics (especially phonology and phonetics) of special interest, which is where the majority of my contributions to the list are, although struggling through the postings in various other English, Scots, Frisian, Dutch and Low Saxon etc. dialects is also fun—when I’ve got the time ... (yes, have also learnt to say ‘Low Saxon’ and not ‘Platt’ or ‘Low German’—thanks to our Ron). I’ve been able to pose many questions relating to my studies, which are usually well answered and have helped loads.

I would recommend this list to anyone who has any interest in the Lowlands, be it linguistic, literary, culinary etc. It’s the only list I’ve ever stayed with for any extended period of time, run by the very capable Reinhard (Ron) Hahn. I’ve always found it courteous and accepting of everyone, and a list where you feel like you know the other members—without ever having met any of them.

Gary
2005