Six O’Clock News
By Tom Leonard
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.
Summary of Six O’Clock News
- What is “Six O’Clock News” About? Tom Leonard’s poem “Six O’Clock News” is a powerful and provocative exploration of language, authenticity, and societal expectations. It’s presented as a transcript of a news broadcast, but deliberately written in a strong Glaswegian dialect. The poem centers around the idea that a newsreader would adopt a BBC standard English accent to be perceived as credible, while speaking in their natural dialect would undermine their authority.
- Central Idea: The core of the poem lies in its satirical critique of how language shapes perception and trust. Leonard questions why a specific accent is deemed “correct” or “trustworthy” while others are marginalized. The poem suggests that credibility isn’t about the truth of the message, but rather how it is delivered and the perceived legitimacy of the speaker.
- Noteworthy Context: Published in 1978, the poem emerged during a period of heightened awareness surrounding regional identities and cultural differences within the United Kingdom. It challenged the dominance of Received Pronunciation (RP), often associated with the upper classes and the BBC, and celebrated the validity of vernacular speech. The poem is significant as an early example of linguistic poetry, where the form and sound of language are as important as the content.
In-Depth Analysis of “Six O’Clock News”
Exploring the Power of Dialect
The most striking feature of “Six O’Clock News” is undoubtedly its deliberate use of dialect. Leonard doesn’t simply include a few regional words; he constructs the entire poem in a phonetic representation of a Glaswegian accent. Consider these lines:
“this is thi
six a clock
news thi
man said n”
The unconventional spelling – “thi” for “the,” “n” for “and” – immediately immerses the reader in a different linguistic landscape. This isn’t a mistake; it’s a conscious artistic choice. Leonard is forcing us to hear the dialect, to recognize its distinct rhythm and intonation. The poem challenges the notion of a single “correct” way of speaking, suggesting that all dialects are equally valid forms of communication.
Satire and the BBC Accent
The poem’s central argument revolves around the idea that a newsreader’s credibility is linked to their accent. The speaker states:
“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 cynical understanding of how information is received. The newsreader isn’t concerned with simply conveying the truth; they’re concerned with being believed. The “BBC accent” acts as a symbol of authority and trustworthiness, while the speaker’s natural accent, described as “wanna yoo scruff,” is seen as potentially undermining their message. This is a pointed satire of the BBC’s perceived commitment to neutrality and its reinforcement of social hierarchies through language.
Challenging Perceptions of Truth
The poem subtly questions the very concept of “truth.” The speaker asserts:
“this is ma trooth.
yooz doant no
thi trooth
yirsellz cawz
yi canny talk
right.”
This is a provocative statement. It suggests that truth isn’t objective but is constructed through language and shaped by social perceptions. If you can’t “talk right” (meaning speak in the accepted standard), your truth is automatically discounted. Leonard is highlighting the power of language to marginalize and silence certain voices. The final line, “this is the six a clock nyooz. belt up,” serves as a darkly ironic conclusion, suggesting that the news is simply a performance of authority, demanding unquestioning obedience.
Literary and Poetic Devices in “Six O’Clock News”
Phonetic Spelling & Dialect
The most prominent device is the use of phonetic spelling to replicate the Glaswegian dialect. This isn’t simply a matter of representing how words are pronounced; it’s a deliberate attempt to create a visceral reading experience. The unconventional spelling forces the reader to slow down and sound out the words, mimicking the rhythm and intonation of the dialect.
Colloquialism and Slang
The poem is filled with colloquialisms and slang, such as “belt up” and the frequent use of contractions like “yi” for “you.” This further reinforces the authenticity of the dialect and contributes to the poem’s informal, conversational tone.
Enjambment
Leonard makes extensive use of enjambment—the continuation of a sentence or phrase from one line to the next without a pause—to create a sense of fluidity and momentum. This technique mirrors the natural rhythm of speech and contributes to the poem’s conversational quality. For instance:
“this is
the six a clock
nyooz. belt up.”
The lack of punctuation at the end of the second line forces the reader to continue seamlessly into the next.
Irony and Satire
As discussed previously, the poem is steeped in irony and satire. The contrast between the speaker’s natural dialect and the “BBC accent” is a satirical commentary on social hierarchies and the power of language.
Assonance and Consonance
While not as prominent as other devices, Leonard subtly employs assonance (repetition of vowel sounds) and consonance (repetition of consonant sounds) to create musicality and emphasis. For example, the repetition of the “t” sound in “talk wia” or the “s” sound in “six a clock news.”
Symbolism
The dialect itself becomes a symbol of authenticity, regional identity, and resistance against the standardization of language. The “BBC accent,” conversely, symbolizes authority, conformity, and the dominance of certain social groups.
“Six O’Clock News” is a challenging yet rewarding poem that continues to resonate with readers today. Its exploration of language, identity, and social power remains remarkably relevant, prompting us to question our own assumptions about communication and credibility. It’s a powerful reminder that language isn’t just a tool for conveying information; it’s a force that shapes our perceptions and defines our world.