There was a real “buzz” in the air at the Holm Court Community Room this Friday morning! As part of our weekly English sessions, we took a break from standard grammar to dive into the wonderful world of the Mancunian dialect.

For our learners—many of whom are refugees and asylum seekers settling into life in Greater Manchester—understanding “textbook English” is vital, but learning how the locals actually speak is the key to truly feeling at home.

More Than Just a ‘Brew’

The classroom was “buzzin” (that’s Mancunian for very excited!) as we explored the local lingo. We had a fantastic time comparing standard British English with the unique phrases you’ll hear on the streets of Salford and Manchester.

We practiced some essential local vocabulary, including:

• Brew: A cup of tea (essential for any morning session!).
• Sound: Used to describe something good, decent, or a person who is reliable.
• Scrikin: A local term for crying.
• Buzzin: To be very happy or excited.
• Owt: A shorthand for “anything.”

Practising these phrases didn’t just bring a lot of laughter to the room; it gave our students the confidence to strike up a conversation at the bus stop or the local shop.

Voices from Our Community

The feedback from the session was heart-warming. One student shared:

“Thank you for today’s English lesson. It was very interesting learning about conversational Mancunian and how residents of Manchester speak. Practising the local phrases made the class fun and useful. I appreciate how you teach us.”

Another learner expressed how these sessions at Salford Community Upskilling (SCU) are about more than just language:

“The organisation has been a game changer for me. The skills I’ve gained, from computer literacy to cooking and other activities, have been incredibly valuable. I’m truly grateful for the experience and support I’ve received.”

Hearing that our sessions are a “game changer” reminds us why we do what we do. Whether it’s mastering a computer, cooking a new dish, or simply learning that a “proper brew” makes everything better, we are here to support our community every step of the way.

Join Us!

Want to improve your English, learn new skills, or just meet some “sound” people? Our doors are always open.

• Mondays (Beginners): 10am – 12pm at St James’s House.
• Fridays (Conversational Practice): 10am – 12pm at Holm Court.
• Fridays (Beginners): 12:30pm – 2:30pm at Holm Court.