Why-aye are you talking like that? International students to take lessons on how to speak Geordie

Baffled international students in Newcastle are being given lessons in how to speak Geordie – after complaining they could not understand locals.

The new scheme, set up by International Newcastle, is called GSOL – Geordie for Speakers of Other Languages.

The programme is designed to encourage students from outside the UK to attend sessions where they will learn Geordie words and phrases.

And both Newcastle and Northumbria Universities are offering the initiative.

They will also find out more about the North East’s history and culture.

Jin-Yu Chan, a student at Newcastle University from Taiwan, said: “It’s hard to know what people are saying some times, but everyone is always very friendly – I love it here.”

Simon Underwood said the idea came about after feedback from international students in Newcastle showed that many have trouble understanding the Geordie accent.

He said: “Geordie is not just an accent, it’s a dialect, and many international students living in the city find it hard to understand what local people are saying to them.

“Our mission is to help people to integrate by bringing locals together with students from outside the UK and allowing them to share their experiences.”

Haway the lads

The sessions are aimed at a light-hearted look at the North East, covering different aspects of local life.

“It should be a great ice breaker where local people can meet new people and talk to them about their region,” he added.

“We want to portray Geordies in a positive light because they aren’t always perceived well because of things like Geordie Shore.

“The route of many Geordie phrases is actually in friendship, and that is what we want to share.”

Ime John, a masters student at Northumbria University from Nigeria, agreed.

She said: “I get a bit frustrated because although people are very nice they can be a little more reserved than I’m used to at home. But I do like it here. It’s a great city.”