Idiolect - Something so distinctive and personal to you. How would you describe your idiolect?

I D I O L E C T 

I do not think that I speak with a particularly strong Bristolian accent, despite being born and brought up here in Bristol. I don't really find it particularly attractive - or professional in some situations - so I do tend to avoid speaking that way. However, this can actually be quite difficult, as the people I interact with on a daily basis including a wide variety of friends, family and acquaintances, do hugely influence the way I speak and therefore occasionally, my accent may be stronger and more apparent.

I do know that I use a lot of fillers in my speech, and there is one that I use the absolute most - 'like'. I estimate that this word will pop itself into almost every one of my sentences - evidently, it is at the very top of my mental vocabulary list. I do think that I mainly use this word out of habit, however other fillers I use for example 'um', 'basically' and 'so' among others, I may use more frequently when I'm speaking spontaneously.

One word that really makes me squirm is 'moist', the way the 'oi' sounds blends with the 's' and the 't' really agonizes me. What I also find extremely unconventional, is that the word can be associated with your favourite food but also with other things that are definitely not food related... ugh. Foetus is another one. Please tell me who created that word and what they were thinking when they did?! It sounds so alien-like and similarly, I do avoid using that one too.

When answering the phone, my voice actually reaches a higher pitch that I thought I could ever reach. Okay, maybe a slight exaggeration, but the pitch does actually increase, without me particularly pre-meditating it. Obviously, taking the usual approach of answering 'hello?' when I pick up, is very original but however putting a more-than-needed emphasis on the second syllable. I think I do this because it makes me sound more friendly and approachable... although I don't actually think about that when I actually say it, actually.

I do have quite a few conversational habits, probably exceedingly annoying to some. If someone is sharing their feelings with me or explaining a situation, I do ask questions or agree with that person. In addition, I always make 'mmm' sound when someone is speaking to me. It most likely is quite irritating, however I do it because I feel it reassures the speaker and also so that they know I am listening. As of recent; there is one phrase that cannot seem to stop cropping up in my mind. When I am explaining something to someone, I will ask, 'do you know what I mean?', I say it extremely fast and I know it actually can be quite annoying. However, I do think I ask this to make sure that the person is connecting and engaging with me in the conversation.

I believe my voice is actually quite low pitched for a typical female of my age group. In some situations it can be softer and more relaxed and sometimes calm, although in others, maybe when I am feeling slightly stressed or uptight, it can be high-pitched, or my speech may be faster.

An idiolect is so personal,  billions of different varieties...

I S A B E L