Talking Proper

The film explores the impact of accents and dialects on people's lives, highlighting the experiences of broadcaster Janet Street-Porter, actor Peter Bowles, and others. It presents insights from the Queen's English Society, which advocates for traditional language purity, contrasting with the perspectives of the Devon Dialect Society, which embraces regional variations.

Viewers are taken through an elocution class and hear from Scottish schoolchildren discussing how their accents might influence their career opportunities. The film also provides a look into the BBC Pronunciation Unit and the auditions for the Speaking Clock, showcasing how language and dialects have evolved over time.

As a documentary from the BBC, Talking Proper captures a pivotal moment in the discussion of language. It raises questions about the future of communication in an increasingly digital world, where trends may shift dramatically as technology advances.