Linguists say reaction to Irish TD’s remarks reflects shared regional English roots and enduring impact of empire
When the politician Thomas Gould rose to speak in the Irish parliament recently, few expected a lesson in colonial linguistics.
Yet clips of his speech began circulating online last week, with some viewers saying he sounded unmistakably Jamaican. The reaction was animated, particularly among Jamaican heritage communities.
Responding to the Cork politician’s viral moment, one person wrote online: “The influence the Irish have on the Jamaican accent is uncanny.”
Gould, a Sinn Féin TD, said he had been overwhelmed by the response he received after the speech in January, particularly from Jamaica.
