Q. I have two sons. The elder speaks in RP, like his parents; the younger with an estuarine accent. They went to the same state school. What should I say when acquaintances who have met both boys question this anomaly? I find it difficult to explain without making both sons seem pretentious.
— Name withheld, London
A. You could disarm the questioners by explaining that the one with the estuarine accent was more able to pick it up from his schoolmates ‘because he has a much better ear than his brother’. Say no more and let them draw their own conclusions as you smile pleasantly.
Q. Your column once discussed the best way of warding off unwelcome conversations in the close confinement of a flight. Having lost a substantial part of my hearing in early childhood, I discovered that a sudden sight of a hearing aid and a couple of unrelated answers, followed by a brief explanation of my misfortune, works wonders.
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