Published online by Cambridge University Press: 07 August 2026
This chapter focuses on the Manchester Voices interactive installation housed in Manchester Central Library and its online counterpart. Conceived as an accessible, engaging way to present the project’s findings, the installation brings together all strands of the research – Accent Van, perception maps, pronunciation data, archive recordings, podcasts, poetry, and more – within a cohesive digital experience. Developed in collaboration with Figment Productions and hosted in the Archives+ space, the resource allows users to explore local accents, dialects, and identities across the region. The chapter details the design, development, and impact of both the physical and digital versions, including portable displays for use in schools and community spaces. It also reflects on the broader principle of linguistic gratuity, arguing for the importance of giving back to the communities that make linguistic research possible. The chapter concludes with a personal reflection on the challenges, connections, and impact of the decade-long project, affirming the value of listening to everyday voices and making linguistic research meaningful beyond academia.
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