Why do people from Blackburn and Burnley sound so different? Scientists will scan people’s mouths to understand why the accents are so dissimilar – despite being just 10 miles apart

From the accessible Geordie accent to the instantly recognizable Liverpool accent, England is home to some of the most distinctive accents in the world.

Now, a study is planning to examine two northern dialects – dialects from Burnley and Blackburn.

Although only 10 miles apart, these two dialects are surprisingly different, and scientists from Lancaster University want to find out why.

The team will use ultrasound to scan the mouths of people who speak both accents.

“By investigating the shapes of the tongue, using ultrasound imaging, we can look at different types of accents and differences in pronunciation,” says Professor Claire Nance, who is leading the team.

Now, a study is planning to examine two northern dialects – those from Burnley (such as the cricketer, James Anderson, pictured right) and Blackburn (such as the presenter, AJ Ododo, pictured left).

Researchers are inviting Burnley residents to have their mouths checked at Burnley Market Hall on 11 November.

Willing participants will be asked to read words on a computer screen, while small ultrasound waves are used to study the shape of their tongue as they speak.

Last year, the team conducted similar research in Blackburn.

“We have been told in the last year – in no uncertain terms – that people in Burnley and nearby Blackburn speak very differently,” Professor Nance said.

Therefore, we are excited to conduct this research to see exactly how this happens.

“We are looking for 30 to 40 volunteers aged 6+ to compare with the 35 participants from Blackburn last year.

“We would particularly like to work with families and people from the South Asian community so we can learn more about all the different dialects in East Lancashire.

‘The activity takes about 15 minutes and is suitable for adults and children. Everyone is welcome!’

The news comes shortly after researchers warned that northern dialects are on the verge of extinction in Britain.

Using physical modeling, researchers from the Universities of Portsmouth and Cambridge have predicted how dialects are likely to change across England by 2066.

Their findings suggest that northern dialects could be replaced by the “posh” pronunciation of the southeast.

The model suggests that words like “strut,” which currently rhymes with “foot” in northern England, will stop rhyming by 2066.

Meanwhile, the pirate-like “arrr” of the “farm” is also expected to disappear from the southwest.

However, different pronunciations of “bath” are likely to remain, according to the model.