The ‘th’ as a weapon in the class war

‘To a south Londoner,’ writes Liz Leek, ‘the “th” is a key weapon in the class war.’ A market stall on Rye Lane, Peckham. Photograph: Antonio Zazueta Olmos/Antonio Olmos

While there is undeniably still prejudice towards those of lower socioeconomic status in all aspects of life, in my early days of teaching aspiring actors, I recall how important it was to make them understand the importance of communicating, as opposed to merely speaking (Head who knew the danger of his dialect, Letters, 17 July). Standing on stage declaiming “I am deaf”, I would then ask if I had declared myself to be the bringer of doom, the harbinger of the apocalypse or whether I had informed them of my hearing impediment. To a south Londoner, the “th” is a key weapon in the class war. Everyone should have the option; everyone should know the stakes.
Liz Leek
Principal, Barnsley sixth form college

• Join the debate – email guardian.letters@theguardian.com

• Read more Guardian letters – click here to visit gu.com/letters