4.1 Appalachian dialect and language

Appalachian dialect is a unique blend of cultural influences shaped by isolation and immigrant groups. It's rooted in Scots-Irish origins, African American speech patterns, and the region's geography. The dialect has distinct vocabulary, grammar, and pronunciation.

Regional variations exist within Appalachia, with differences between northern and southern areas, as well as urban and rural communities. The dialect faces stigmatization but remains a strong marker of cultural identity. Modernization is changing Appalachian English, but preservation efforts continue.

Origins of Appalachian dialect

• Appalachian dialect has its roots in the unique blend of cultural and geographic influences that shaped the region
• The language developed over time as a result of the isolation of mountain communities and the mixing of various immigrant groups

Influence of Scots-Irish immigrants

Top images from around the web for Influence of Scots-Irish immigrants

• 

  Ulster Scots dialect - Wikipedia View original

  Is this image relevant?

• 

  Modern Scots - Wikipedia View original

  Is this image relevant?

• 

  Ulster Scots dialect - Wikipedia View original

  Is this image relevant?

• 

  Modern Scots - Wikipedia View original

  Is this image relevant?

1 of 2

Top images from around the web for Influence of Scots-Irish immigrants

• 

  Ulster Scots dialect - Wikipedia View original

  Is this image relevant?

• 

  Modern Scots - Wikipedia View original

  Is this image relevant?

• 

  Ulster Scots dialect - Wikipedia View original

  Is this image relevant?

• 

  Modern Scots - Wikipedia View original

  Is this image relevant?

1 of 2

• Scots-Irish settlers brought their distinct dialect, which heavily influenced the development of Appalachian English
• Many common Appalachian words and phrases, such as "reckon" and "right smart," can be traced back to Scots-Irish origins
• The Scots-Irish also contributed to the unique grammatical structures found in Appalachian English, such as the use of "a-prefixing" (e.g., "He was a-hunting")

Impact of isolation on language development

• The geographic isolation of Appalachian communities allowed for the preservation and evolution of distinct linguistic features
• Limited contact with outside influences resulted in the retention of archaic words and phrases that have since fallen out of use in other regions
• Isolation also contributed to the development of region-specific vocabulary related to local industries, such as coal mining and logging

Role of African American speech patterns

• African American speech patterns, particularly those of enslaved people who worked in Appalachian industries, influenced the development of the dialect
• Appalachian English incorporates elements of African American Vernacular English (AAVE), such as the use of double negatives and the omission of copulas (e.g., "He working" instead of "He is working")
• The mixing of African American and European speech patterns in Appalachia created a unique linguistic blend that reflects the region's complex history

Linguistic features of Appalachian English

Unique vocabulary and expressions

• Appalachian English is known for its colorful and expressive vocabulary, often derived from the region's history and culture
• Examples of unique Appalachian words include "poke" (a bag or sack), "sigogglin" (crooked or askew), and "airish" (chilly or cool)
• Idiomatic expressions, such as "I reckon" (I suppose) and "plumb" (completely), are also common in Appalachian speech

Grammatical differences vs Standard American English

• Appalachian English features distinct grammatical structures that differ from Standard American English
• The use of "a-prefixing" before verbs, as in "He was a-fishing," is a hallmark of Appalachian grammar
• Appalachian English also employs non-standard verb forms, such as "I knowed" instead of "I knew" and "He done" instead of "He did"
• The dialect often uses double negatives for emphasis, as in "I ain't got no money"

Phonological characteristics of pronunciation

• Appalachian English has a distinct pronunciation that sets it apart from other regional dialects
• One notable feature is the monophthongization of diphthongs, where words like "right" and "fire" are pronounced with a single vowel sound
• The dialect also exhibits a strong "r-lessness," where the "r" sound is often dropped or weakened in words like "barn" and "horse"
• Vowel shifts, such as the pronunciation of "pin" and "pen" as homophones, are also common in Appalachian speech

Regional variations within Appalachia

Northern vs Southern Appalachian speech

• Appalachian English is not a monolithic dialect; there are notable differences between Northern and Southern Appalachian speech patterns
• Northern Appalachian English, found in states like West Virginia and Pennsylvania, tends to have more influence from Midland and Midwestern dialects
• Southern Appalachian English, prevalent in states like Tennessee and North Carolina, exhibits more similarities to Southern American English

Differences in urban and rural dialects

• Within Appalachia, there are also variations between urban and rural speech patterns
• Urban Appalachian English, particularly in larger cities, may exhibit fewer traditional dialect features due to increased contact with outside influences
• Rural Appalachian English tends to retain more of the distinct vocabulary, grammar, and pronunciation associated with the dialect

Influence of neighboring regional dialects

• Appalachian English is not isolated from the influence of neighboring regional dialects
• In areas bordering the Midland and Midwestern regions, Appalachian speech may incorporate features of those dialects, such as the use of "you'uns" as a second-person plural pronoun
• Similarly, in areas bordering the South, Appalachian English may exhibit more Southern features, such as the use of "y'all" and the Southern drawl

Sociolinguistic aspects of Appalachian English

Dialect as marker of cultural identity

• For many Appalachian residents, their distinct dialect serves as a marker of cultural identity and regional pride
• Speaking Appalachian English can be a way of asserting one's connection to the region's history, traditions, and values
• The use of Appalachian dialect can also foster a sense of community and shared experience among speakers

Stigmatization and negative stereotypes

• Despite its cultural significance, Appalachian English has often been stigmatized and associated with negative stereotypes
• Speakers of Appalachian English may face discrimination or be perceived as uneducated, backward, or "hillbilly"
• These negative stereotypes can lead to linguistic insecurity and the suppression of Appalachian dialect features in certain social contexts

Appalachian dialect in literature and media

• Appalachian English has been represented in various forms of literature and media, often with mixed results
• Some works, such as the novels of Lee Smith and the poetry of Ron Rash, aim to capture the authentic voice and experience of Appalachian speakers
• However, other portrayals, particularly in popular media, may rely on exaggerated or stereotypical depictions of Appalachian speech for comedic or dramatic effect

Evolution of Appalachian language

Impact of modernization and globalization

• As Appalachia has become more connected to the rest of the world through modernization and globalization, the region's language has undergone changes
• Increased exposure to mainstream media, education, and outside influences has led to a gradual erosion of some traditional Appalachian dialect features
• Younger generations of Appalachian speakers may exhibit fewer distinct dialect features than older generations

Preservation efforts for traditional speech patterns

• Despite the pressures of modernization, there are ongoing efforts to preserve and celebrate traditional Appalachian speech patterns
• Organizations like the Appalachian Studies Association and the Center for Appalachian Studies promote research and education on the region's language and culture
• Oral history projects and language documentation initiatives aim to record and preserve the voices and stories of Appalachian speakers

Emergence of Appalachian-influenced slang and jargon

• As Appalachian English evolves, new forms of slang and jargon have emerged that reflect the region's changing cultural landscape
• Terms like "boomer" (a person from outside the region who enjoys outdoor recreation) and "holler" (a small, isolated valley) have gained popularity in recent years
• The influence of Appalachian speech patterns can also be seen in the development of region-specific jargon related to industries like tourism and environmental activism