The Lancastrian approach to spoken English does not always match the text books - "I don't want nowt to do wi grammar; I know nowt about it and I speak proper anyways".

But when children go back to school next month, their speaking skills will be brought up to scratch.

At the start of August, the Qualifications and Curriculum Authority, which advises the Government on what should be taught in schools, launched a 60-page booklet titled The Grammar of Talk. The aim is to teach school pupils how to "communicate clearly" in all types of conversation.

From chatting to friends to being interviewed for a job, the QCA thinks that being able to speak English correctly will improve students' social skills and career prospects.

English lessons in schools develop reading, writing, listening and speaking skills. Reading and writing count for the majority of the marks in exams, and so the QCA believes that listening and speaking skills have not been receiving enough attention.

The new initiative includes plans to record children's conversations and play them back in class. The pupils will then analyse the way they speak and suggest improvements or alternative phrases.

Derek Stanton is chairman of the Lancashire Dialect Society, which aims to conserve the region's dialect. He is concerned that the QCA's plans will take away from the heritage of the area.

"The Queen's English is very good for business and formal occasions but different people have different ways of speaking. A voice and an accent are part of your personality and individuality.

"Children should learn how to enunciate and how to make themselves understood, but it should be fun. They should not feel that they are being criticised for how they sound.

"Recording children and forcing them to speak and sound like everyone else would be setting a dangerous precedent. Their Lancashire roots should not be forced out," he said.

But it does not appear that the QCA will be altering its plans. "Children will learn what is appropriate in a certain context," said a spokesman.

English tutors, such as Bolton-based David Wright, have noticed the slide in standards of grammar and spelling. "My job is to tighten up written expression in preparation for exams," he said. "I have noticed that text messaging and computer games have a negative effect on students' standard of English, but more in writing than in speaking. It is not a huge problem but I have noticed a difference in the past 10 to 15 years.

"I do not think that language is fixed, though. Text messaging is a new form of communication and so long as it does not impact on written English, then I think it is fine.

"Similarly, there are many factors which determine how a child speaks. Their parents, their friends and the place they grow up all have an effect."

With Key Stage Three examinations at the age of 14, GCSEs at 16 and then A-levels at 18, pupils are facing frequent, demanding tests all the way through school.

If the QCA was to bring in a speaking test, it is feared it could simply add to pupils' stress levels.

"Sometimes I think too much is expected of today's students," said Mr Wright. "I have learned how to organise my thoughts and express myself clearly, but it is more difficult to do at 14, when you only have an hour and a quarter to complete an exam."

It is possible that hailing from this region could eventually prove to be a disadvantage for children in Bolton. Although the QCA's booklet does not tackle regional accents and dialect directly, it is doubtful that some Lancashire phrases would be included.

In any recorded conversations, the QCA would probably recommend "'E's gettin' a cob on" to be replaced by "He is becoming a little annoyed," and "Don't be so cack 'anded" in "standard" English would change into "Please try to be less clumsy."

Why "side 'table" when you can "clear the dishes"? And instead of having "pop and butties" for lunch, make sure you have "a fizzy drink and a sandwich".

If you are not of Lancashire origin, and you are struggling to understand worramonabart (what I am talking about) then maybe it is time to invest in some dictionaries.

Lanky Spoken Here - A Guide to the Lancashire Dialect, by Dave Dutton, is available for £10.49 on amazon.co.uk

And Owdo: Albert's Easy Teach Yourself Lancashire Dialect is also available.

Northern accents and dialects are now just as valid as their Southern counterparts. Bolton celebrities such as Fred Dibnah, Sara Cox and Vernon Kay broadcast nationally on BBC television and radio.

And thanks to Peter Kay, the Northern way of speaking is now trendy. You can even buy a T-shirt or mouse mat displaying his "Get on t'internet" slogan.

Although using standard English is recognised as being best for business, industry is also having to accept regional variations.

Last year, researchers from the University of Birmingham visited Burnley to record voice samples of a strong Lancashire accent. They needed to add it to their voice-recognition software which was only picking up on the Southern, "standard" way of speaking.

Even MPs have come out in support of the Lancashire dialect.

In 1998, a petition was launched in the Houses of Parliament when it was announced that Wallace and Gromit would have their Northern tones replaced by a clipped Southern accent in videos for foreign learners of English.

A few more lancashire phrases

Aziadiz hurcut? - Has he had his hair cut?

Duzit stopeer? - Does it stop here?

Wossupwithi? - What is wrong with you?

Eez nowt burra babi! - He is nothing but a baby.

Elpim purrizaton - Help him to put his hat on.

Aberitz erz - I bet it is hers.

Tha luks owder bart teeth - You look older without your teeth.

Innitot? - Isn't it hot?