The Norfolk dialect is often said to be fighting a losing battle against modern forms of communication, which erode the eccentricities of the regional vernacular.

But now one of the newest formats of all has been recruited in the fight to save the local accent.

Podcasters are to take part in a new scheme which will see them adopt English dialect words and phrases - including Norfolk terms - in an attempt to stop them becoming extinct.

The project has been launched by Steady, an independent broadcaster of podcasts and other social media content.

The experimental scheme to boost endangered regional vocabulary will see examples 'adopted' by prominent public voices.

A group of leading podcasters has agreed to sponsor a word chosen from those identified as on the brink of extinction by the British Library.

Regional radio broadcasters are also being urged to join participating podcast shows, which include The Lost Tapes of History and Black History Buff, whose presenters have agreed to 'adopt' a favourite, whether or not they use it themselves.

The project has been welcomed by the Friends of Norfolk Dialect, a group which devotes itself to making sure phrases such as Norfolkisms as "bishy barnabee" and "on the huh" are not lost forever.

Diana Rackham, chairman of FOND, told the Today Show on BBC Radio 4: "Sometimes there is a message that speaking with a particular dialect should be perhaps educated out of people and that there's a standard English to use.

"We want it to be acceptable that the dialect is part of somebody's identity.

"It is unique to them and I think it is great something like this is coming along to be able to promote regional and dialect words and get them back into popularity again."

Experts have raised fears for the future of many regional accents, which they say are gradually fading out as others - such as the 'southern' way of speaking - spread.

They have blamed greater mobility around the UK, as well as the homogenising effect of television and radio.

 

20 NORFOLK PHRASES WORTH PRESERVING

Atwin Between

Backus Scullery or out-house

Brawk To belch loudly after meals

Caution Amazing or surprising news

Coshies, cushies Sweets

Dickey Donkey

Elijahs String tied around labourer’s trousers, just below the knee

Fourses Tea break in the afternoon (traditionally in the harvest field).

Fosey Stale, mildewed (food):

Hedge Betty Hedge sparrow.

Jollificearshuns Fun and games, joviality.

Nonicking Horseplay.

Pamment Pavement

Puckaterry In a muddle, or a bit of a temper.

Reasty Rancid

Smur Fine rain, drizzle

Tricolate To spruce up or repair

Unean Underneath

Wholly, hoolly, hully Very

Zackly Exactly

From FOND's online glossary