te Inv

estiga Forms of English est

iga
Inv te

• Read the words of the twelve-year-old

street crossing-sweeper.
• Complete the chart to compare the
speech with modern standard English.

Mother’s been dead these two year, sir, and father’s a working
cutler, sir; and I lives with him, but he don’t get much to do, and
so I’m obligated to help him, doing what I can sir... I’ve had to
mind my little brother and sister, so that I have n’t been to school;
but when I goes a-crossing-sweeping I takes them along with me,
and they sits on the steps close by, sir. If i t’s wet I has to stop at
home and take care of them... Sister’s three-and-a-half year old
and brother’s five year, so he’s just beginning to help me, sir.
FROM LONDON L A B O U R A N D THE LONDON POOR BY H E N RY M AYH E W (1861)

Victorian crossing-sweeper Modern standard English

these two year for two years

• Describe how the Victorian crossing-sweeper’s speech

is different from modern standard English.

Teachers’ note If necessary, point out the plural nouns and agreement between verbs and their
subjects. The children could try writing in the style and language of the Victorian crossing-sweeper. Developing Literacy
Sentence Level Year 6
© A & C Black 1999 15