North Yorkshire Council Faces Backlash Over Misplaced Apostrophe in Anti-Litter Campaign Posters Highlighting the Complexity of Yorkshire Dialect

Yorkshire’s unique dialect can be a challenge to understand even for locals.

Recently, North Yorkshire Council faced a bit of a linguistic blunder in their anti-littering campaign, sparking some controversy among proud residents. The campaign featured the slogan “Gerrit in’t bin,” displayed on 800 posters across popular tourist spots and local newspapers.

However, it turns out the correct phrasing should have been “Gerrit in t’bin,” and this small error didn’t go unnoticed.

Rod Dimbleby, the chairman of the Yorkshire Dialect Society, confirmed the mistake and emphasized the significance of proper usage.

He pointed out that Yorkshire dialect is a real language with its own rules, and preserving its accuracy is crucial, especially as it faces the risk of fading away.

“It’s nonsense because it’s a real language and it should be written correctly,” said Dimbleby, highlighting the importance of keeping this cultural treasure alive.

A Linguistic Legacy at Risk

As Yorkshire Day approaches, Mr. Dimbleby, aged 81, reflected on the dwindling number of dialect speakers. He lamented that many people in their 40s and 50s are unfamiliar with words that were once common.

This decline underscores the importance of preserving and promoting the dialect, a task that becomes even more vital as fewer people carry on the linguistic tradition.

A Humble Admission and a Promise to Improve

In response to the mix-up, council chiefs acknowledged their mistake and pledged to correct the digital and downloadable signs. While the physical posters won’t be replaced, the council’s commitment to proper punctuation reflects a respect for the dialect.

Councillor Keane Duncan, responsible for highways and transport, admitted, “Punctuating Yorkshire dialect appears to be causing us a bit of a headache here at North Yorkshire Council.” He assured the public that they would follow the guidance of the Yorkshire Dialect Society.

A Shared Goal: Keep Yorkshire Clean

Despite the punctuation hiccup, the council remains steadfast in their message: there’s only one place for litter in North Yorkshire, and that’s the bin.

The campaign, in partnership with parish and town councils, aims to encourage locals and visitors alike to dispose of their waste properly, especially during the busy school summer holidays.