This has nothing to do with our cars, but rather is a question I've meant to ask for years, but I always forget to do so when I'm in London.
Why do the following three words all sound like they have the same vowel in them, which would be the vowel sound in the word "are."
- Clark
- Clerk -- In English, does "jerk" share vowel sounds with clerk?
- Derby -- In English, does the first syllable of derby rhyme with Jersey?
Is that something that's just unique to these words (and perhaps a few other similar words) or perhaps an specific English accent?
By contrast, in American:
- Clark shares vowel sounds with Lark, but not with clerk or derby
- Clerk shares vowel sounds with Turk but not with shark
- Derby and curvy have the same vowel sound in the first syllable
As I said, just curious. I nearly always hear the word "clerk" when I'm there, but never in a time/place where it's appropriate to ask about it. And when I'm in an suitable situation, I don't remember to ask. Just now, however, Antiques Roadshow just came on and they are in a place called Derby, and they keep saying what to me sounds like Darby.
Thanks in advance to anyone who replies.