...but try to say it ALL, eh?
Due to the unimaginative early Briton's tendency to call places after distinguishing features in the local tongue, there are a lot of similar sounding but widely separated destinations on the UK rail network. Ask for Gillingham or Ashford and you could be heading up to 200 miles in the wrong direction if we choose poorly. Sorry, where? Witham, Witton, or Whitton?
And yes, the English language has some eccentricities, like Edinburgh, Slough, etc. not to mention Welsh stations such as Llanfairpwll... You know the one (that's actually the whole designation in the ticket system, in case you wondered how they fit 46 letter words onto our tiny cards.)
Wherever you're going, the best way to start is to say the name as best you can. Sound it out, omit nothing. We can muddle through together!
...
So why this rant today? Because some people just can't be bothered to even try, and my first one today has left me worried for the safety of others.
If you're a medical professional, accurate communication is kinda bloody important. So how the hell do you manage to read "Haywards Heath" and come out with "Hethwig"?!
Due to the unimaginative early Briton's tendency to call places after distinguishing features in the local tongue, there are a lot of similar sounding but widely separated destinations on the UK rail network. Ask for Gillingham or Ashford and you could be heading up to 200 miles in the wrong direction if we choose poorly. Sorry, where? Witham, Witton, or Whitton?
And yes, the English language has some eccentricities, like Edinburgh, Slough, etc. not to mention Welsh stations such as Llanfairpwll... You know the one (that's actually the whole designation in the ticket system, in case you wondered how they fit 46 letter words onto our tiny cards.)
Wherever you're going, the best way to start is to say the name as best you can. Sound it out, omit nothing. We can muddle through together!
...
So why this rant today? Because some people just can't be bothered to even try, and my first one today has left me worried for the safety of others.
If you're a medical professional, accurate communication is kinda bloody important. So how the hell do you manage to read "Haywards Heath" and come out with "Hethwig"?!
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