An interesting news item datelined London, June 4, 2004 and published in the Hindu dated June 5, 2004, says that British ducks have been found to have regional accents.
Researchers have discovered that ducks in London have a rougher and louder accent call than their West Country counterparts.
Cockney ducks have developed loud and “shriekier” quacks because of competing noises of city life like sirens, horns, trains and traffic but their laidback friends in Cornwall have softer accent calls.
Victoria de Rijke made the discovery after ducks were recorded at Spitalfields City Farm, East London and Trerieve Farm in Downderry, Cornwall. The quacks were analysed and compared with the help of special computer software.
“We found definite regional differences. The Cockney ducks were much louder and vocally excitable. The Cornish ducks made longer and more relaxed sounds – they were much more chilled out. The Cockney quack is like a shout and a laugh whereas Cornish ducks sound more like they are giggling,” Dr. Rijke said.
“Ideally, I would like to continue this theme and study Geordie, Scouse and even Irish ducks to see the differences in their sounds,” added Dr. Rijke.
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