this is thi
six a clock
news thi
man said n
thi reason
a talk wia
BBC accent
iz coz yi
widny wahnt
mi ti talk
aboot thi
trooth wia
voice lik
wanna yoo
scruff. if
a toktaboot
thi trooth
lik wanna yoo
scruff yi
widny thingk
it wuz troo.
jist wanna yoo
scruff tokn.
thirza right
way ti spell
ana right way
to tok it. this
is me tokn yir
right way a
spellin. this
is ma trooth.
yooz doant no
thi trooth
yirsellz cawz
yi canny talk
right. this is
the six a clock
nyooz. belt up.
Welcome, language explorers, to a fascinating journey into Tom Leonard’s powerful poem, “Six O’Clock News.” This isn’t just a poem; it’s a bold statement, a linguistic adventure that challenges everything we think we know about truth, authority, and the way we speak. Prepare to have your ears and minds opened as we delve into a piece that remains as relevant and thought-provoking today as when it was first penned.
Six O’Clock News Summary: Unpacking the Core Message
- What is “Six O’Clock News” About? Tom Leonard’s poem “Six O’Clock News” is a striking and provocative exploration of language, authenticity, and societal expectations. It presents itself as a transcript of a news broadcast, but it is deliberately written in a strong, phonetic representation of a Glaswegian dialect. The poem centers on the idea that a newsreader feels compelled to adopt a “BBC standard English accent” to be perceived as credible and authoritative, believing that speaking in their natural dialect would undermine their message and trustworthiness.
- Central Idea: The core of this poem lies in its sharp, satirical critique of how language, particularly accent and dialect, shapes perception and trust in society. Leonard questions why a specific accent is deemed “correct,” “educated,” or “trustworthy,” while other equally valid forms of speech are marginalized or dismissed. The poem powerfully suggests that credibility often isn’t about the inherent truth of the message itself, but rather about how it is delivered and the perceived legitimacy of the speaker based on their linguistic presentation.
- Noteworthy Context: Published in 1978, “Six O’Clock News” emerged during a period of growing awareness and discussion around regional identities and cultural differences within the United Kingdom. It directly challenged the long-standing dominance of Received Pronunciation (RP), often associated with the upper classes and institutions like the BBC, and championed the validity and richness of vernacular speech. The poem is significant as an early and impactful example of linguistic poetry, where the form, sound, and visual representation of language are as crucial to the poem’s meaning as its literal content.
In-Depth Six O’Clock News Analysis
Now that we have a solid overview, let us dive deeper into the layers of meaning within this remarkable poem, examining how Leonard uses every word to make his profound points.
Exploring the Power of Dialect and Phonetic Spelling
The most immediate and striking feature of “Six O’Clock News” is its audacious and deliberate use of dialect, meticulously rendered through phonetic spelling. Leonard does not merely sprinkle in a few regional words; he constructs the entire poem to visually and audibly represent a Glaswegian accent. Consider these opening lines:
this is thi
six a clock
news thi
man said n
The unconventional spellings, such as “thi” for “the” and “n” for “and,” immediately immerse the reader in a distinct linguistic landscape. This is not a mistake or poor grammar; it is a conscious artistic choice. Leonard forces us to slow down, to “hear” the dialect, and to recognize its unique rhythm and intonation. By doing so, the poem challenges the deeply ingrained notion of a single “correct” way of speaking, asserting that all dialects are equally valid and expressive forms of communication.
Satire and the “BBC Accent”
The poem’s central argument revolves around the cynical idea that a newsreader’s credibility is inextricably linked to their accent. The speaker articulates this belief with stark clarity:
thi reason
a talk wia
BBC accent
iz coz yi
widny wahnt
mi ti talk
aboot thi
trooth wia
voice lik
wanna yoo
scruff.
This passage reveals a profound understanding of how information is received and judged. The newsreader is not solely concerned with conveying factual truth; they are acutely aware of the need to be believed. The “BBC accent” functions as a powerful symbol of authority, education, and trustworthiness, while the speaker’s natural accent, dismissively labeled as “wanna yoo scruff,” is presented as something that would inherently undermine their message. This is a pointed satire of institutions like the BBC, which, despite their claims of neutrality, historically reinforced social hierarchies through linguistic standardization.
Challenging Perceptions of Truth and Authority
Leonard’s poem subtly, yet powerfully, questions the very concept of “truth” itself. The speaker makes a provocative assertion:
this is ma trooth.
yooz doant no
thi trooth
yirsellz cawz
yi canny talk
right.
This statement is deeply unsettling. It suggests that truth is not an objective entity but rather a construct, shaped and validated by language and prevailing social perceptions. If one cannot “talk right,” meaning speak in the accepted standard dialect, their version of truth is automatically discounted or deemed less credible. Leonard masterfully highlights the immense power of language to marginalize, silence, and disempower certain voices and communities. The poem’s concluding lines, “this is the six a clock nyooz. belt up,” serve as a darkly ironic and authoritative command, implying that the news is not an open dialogue but a performance of power, demanding unquestioning acceptance and obedience from its audience.
Literary Devices in Six O’Clock News: Crafting Meaning
Tom Leonard employs a range of poetic devices to amplify his message and create a truly unique reading experience. Understanding these literary techniques is key to a full “Six O’Clock News analysis.”
Phonetic Spelling and Dialect
As the most prominent device, the use of phonetic spelling to replicate the Glaswegian dialect is central to the poem’s impact. This is not merely about representing pronunciation; it is a deliberate artistic choice to create a visceral and immersive reading experience. The unconventional spelling forces the reader to slow down, to mentally “sound out” the words, thereby mimicking the rhythm and intonation of the dialect. This technique directly challenges linguistic prejudice and elevates vernacular speech to a poetic art form.
Colloquialism and Slang
The poem is rich with colloquialisms and slang, such as “belt up” (meaning “be quiet” or “shut up”) and the frequent use of contractions like “thi” for “the” and “yi” for “you.” These elements further reinforce the authenticity of the dialect and contribute to the poem’s informal, conversational, and confrontational tone, making the speaker’s voice feel immediate and real.
Enjambment
Leonard makes extensive use of enjambment, the continuation of a sentence or phrase from one line to the next without a pause or punctuation. This technique creates a sense of fluidity and momentum, mirroring the natural, often uninterrupted, rhythm of spoken speech and contributing to the poem’s conversational quality. For example:
this is
the six a clock
nyooz. belt up.
The absence of punctuation at the end of the second line compels the reader to flow seamlessly into the next, emphasizing the continuous, almost relentless, delivery of the news.
Irony and Satire
The poem is steeped in both irony and satire. The central irony lies in the newsreader’s assertion that they must abandon their authentic voice to be believed, implying that truth itself is secondary to its presentation. The entire poem functions as a satire of societal norms that privilege certain accents and dialects over others, exposing the absurdity of judging credibility based on linguistic performance rather than content.
Assonance and Consonance
While perhaps more subtle than the overt dialect, Leonard employs assonance (the repetition of vowel sounds) and consonance (the repetition of consonant sounds) to add musicality and emphasis. For instance, the short ‘i’ sound is repeated in “this is thi six a clock news thi,” creating a subtle internal rhythm. Similarly, consonance can be found in the repeated ‘k’ sound in “talk wia BBC accent” or the ‘t’ sound in “widny wahnt mi ti talk,” which helps to bind the lines together and enhance their sonic texture.
Symbolism
The dialect itself becomes a powerful symbol of authenticity, regional identity, and a form of resistance against the standardization and homogenization of language. Conversely, the “BBC accent” symbolizes authority, conformity, perceived intellectual superiority, and the dominance of certain social and cultural groups. The news broadcast itself symbolizes the official, often unchallenged, narrative presented by powerful institutions.
The Enduring Relevance of “Six O’Clock News”
Tom Leonard’s “Six O’Clock News” is far more than just a poem about accents; it is a profound commentary on power, perception, and the very fabric of communication. Its exploration of language, identity, and social power remains remarkably relevant in our interconnected world, prompting us to question our own assumptions about who is deemed credible and why. This poem serves as a powerful reminder that language is not merely a tool for conveying information; it is a dynamic force that shapes our perceptions, defines our realities, and can either empower or marginalize voices. Engaging with this poem encourages us to listen more critically, speak more authentically, and appreciate the rich tapestry of human expression.