Letter: In Brief

Sir: Delighted to learn that the mellifluous flow of pure Brummie is at last receiving the recognition it deserves in Israel (report, 28 September). However, "Yam gan yam"' is more likely to be heard on the banks of the Tyne than in Balsall Heath or Perry Barr. "Om gouin um" is more likely.

Since all now looks set for a modish revival, as a native may I offer the conjugation of the negative of the verb "to be"? I ay, yow ay, ee ay, er ay. We ay, yow ay, they ay.

PETER BARBER

Charlbury, Oxfordshire