NationStates Jolt Archive

This is a general survey of the dialects of English used by posters on NS. There will be 4 separate polls - 1 for the British Isles, 1 for North America, 1 for other native speakers, and 1 for non-native speakers. Please hold off until I've posted the appropriate poll - you'll look foolish complaining that I haven't included you dialect, when it's on another thread.

This thread is for North Americans.

What dialects do you speak?

Damn you for not making this poll multiple choice!

*commits seppuku*

North Central American English in Western Michigan (http://www.michigannative.com/ma_home.shtml). Which I think is more linguistically correct than the "Midwest Dialect".
I say "the ovals" for "the beach".

Damn you for not making this poll multiple choice!

*commits seppuku*
*Decapitates you before you can bring shame to your family by showing signs of pain*

*commits seppuku*

*stands by, chops head off*

ah, new jersey: down the shore.

Your "canadian" category is pretty vague. People out west speak a bit differently than people in Ontario... Hell, people in different places in Ontario speak differently sometimes. Although it is nice that you added a separate category for people down east...


At any rate, how I speak depends on how long it's been since I visited my grandparents in Ohio. If I spend a fair bit of time out there I come back with a bit of a midwestern accent combined with my normal southern ontario accent...

*Decapitates you before you can bring shame to your family by showing signs of pain*

damn you, ya beat me to it by seconds!!!

I chose "Quebec" dialect on my poll, although I'm really more of an hybrid Quebec/Canadian/Hollywood English speaker. My accent is nowhere nearly as horrible as the one most of my fellow Quebeckers have. Mine is actually sexy and exotic, instead of sounding like I'm butchering the language.

Cajun

*stands by, chops head off*

Beat you to it.

Although it is nice that you added a separate category for people down east...
That's a new phrase.

I'm from the Pacific NW, which I'm told by many people from back east, as well as even from California, has a slightly different inflection than other places in the US, though I can't spot it.

Newfoundland should really have it's own category. Newfoundlanders are just in a class of their own as Canadian accents go. Not that much like other Maritime accents.

That's a new phrase.
"Down east" is a new phrase? It's how my ex and his family who are from New Brunswick referred to the place...

Newfoundland should really have it's own category. Newfoundlanders are just in a class of their own as Canadian accents go.
People in the North East of the States talk like that as well.

"Down east" is a new phrase?
Its a new phrase to me. I would say: "South East". Then again, I'm extra anal when it comes to cardinal directions.

People in the North East of the States talk like that as well.

How bizarre.

Yes, I know some had to be folded in or not listed, hence the other catagory. Rememeber there are only 10 options and I'm running this in 4 parts. If I tried to run the requisite number of polls to get even every regional dialect of North America, the Mods and others would be screaming bloody murder!

Southern US--a bastardization of Texas and Louisiana growing up, with some Arkansas and now Florida mixed in. All two years of California did for my accent was make my enunciation of Mexican dishs more accurate. :D

Its a new phrase to me. I would say: "South East". Then again, I'm extra anal when it comes to cardinal directions.
Actually, relative to here, it's northeast.

People in the North East of the States talk like that as well.
Are you sure? People in the other Maritime provinces don't even speak like Newfies.

Yes, I know some had to be folded in or not listed, hence the other catagory. Rememeber there are only 10 options and I'm running this in 4 parts. If I tried to run the requisite number of polls to get even every regional dialect of North America, the Mods and others would be screaming bloody murder!
So you're british then? :p

So, Mexicans dont' count? Or are they all "Texan" speakers? ;)

At any rate, how I speak depends on how long it's been since I visited my grandparents in Ohio. If I spend a fair bit of time out there I come back with a bit of a midwestern accent combined with my normal southern ontario accent...
How can so many people neglect to read that this is about dialect, not accent?

How can so many people neglect to read that this is about dialect, not accent?
So basically dialect is just accent + slang.

Are you sure? People in the other Maritime provinces don't even speak like Newfies.
I've heard three natives of the region that speak like that and another person who confirms what I said. However, that all really doesn't matter, as it is mostly the elderly that have a pure dialect these days.
Actually, relative to here, it's northeast.
Relative to here, its South East or sydöst if one really wants to get technical.

i didnt know that canadians used the term down east

in the US it is that area of the country one might call ..... the gulf of maine.... maybe.... its that part of the maine coast that gets more "down east" the closer you get to new brunswick. i grew up in hancock county which is severely downeast but we are outdone by those in washington county which is the coastal county that reaches the canadian border.

North Central American English in Western Michigan (http://www.michigannative.com/ma_home.shtml). Which I think is more linguistically correct than the "Midwest Dialect".
I say "the ovals" for "the beach".

Woo-hoo! A Michiganer who substantiantes my 'o' becomes 'a' claims! Big Time Hackey Fans!

Me, I live in the 'Greader To'Ronna Area'

i didnt know that canadians used the term down east

in the US it is that area of the country one might call ..... the gulf of maine.... maybe.... its that part of the maine coast that gets more "down east" the closer you get to new brunswick. i grew up in hancock county which is severely downeast but we are outdone by those in washington county which is the coastal county that reaches the canadian border.
Well, I have heard Maine referred to as southern New Bruswick... Maybe it's a shared expression in the area?

Woo-hoo! A Michiganer who substantiantes my 'o' becomes 'a' claims! Big Time Hackey Fans!
Me, I live in the 'Greader To'Ronna Area'
I don't back up your claims. "The ovals" comes from the streets down at the beach. Not because I'm saying the letter 'o' incorrectly. You must be a Buckeye... *shakes fist*

So, Mexicans dont' count? Or are they all "Texan" speakers? ;)
Read the thread title. The English language is not spoken in Mexico.

I Voted as close as I could, however, Canada has several distinct dialects.

Canadian, specifically western Canadian. If you want to be more specific, those in my part of BC (the Northcoast), have a slightly different dialect than other parts of BC.

I don't back up your claims. "The ovals" comes from the streets down at the beach. Not because I'm saying the letter 'o' incorrectly. You must be a Buckeye... *shakes fist*

hehe...

taken from your link: http://www.michigannative.com/ma_pronunciations.shtml

"Haahkee": Hockey. A Michigan favorite. With an abundance of lakes and cold temperatures, it's understandable that we dig hockey and won the Stanley Cup. The Red Wings... a mighty force to be reckoned with!

"Maahm": Mom. I was tockin' ta my maahm about goin' ta the maall.

"Pah-neeack": Pontiac. Ya might live in Pahniac, er ya might drive one. An' ya might be embarrassed.

"Pahp": Pop. "Soda", in other parts of the world. Hey, do they call it a Sodasicle? I think not. "Let's stahp by SevenuhLeven and gedduh pahp."

If those aren't examples of 'o's turning into 'a's, I don't know what is.

*shakes fist back, eh*

Depends I guess.

When I teach (and Daistallia 2104 can back me up here) I use a ve-ry slow and ar-ti-cu-lat-ed dia-lec-t that repeats, do you un-der-stand repeats?, a lot.

Otherwise I speak with a very broad Nevadan accent and dialect; though as of late, I have been told by folks back home I have picked up a lot of Brit, Aussie/Kiwi, and Canuck slang and my pronunciation is really starting to sound Japanese.

I voted West. I was born in Los Angeles and I guess I talk with a Californian accent...or lack there of. Because in my mind, Californians (and the other Westerners) are the only ones that lack an accent. The funny thing is...here in South Florida...people speak the same as Westerners...that is they lack accents...yet if you go up to central or north florida...you get that southern accent right in your face.

Anyone agree that Californian (Western) English is English without an accent?

Anyone agree that Californian (Western) English is English without an accent?
American English without an accent perhaps. ;)

Anyone agree that Californian (Western) English is English without an accent?
Uh... no. As my professor (who was from Georgia) said, "Ah don't have an accent, y'all have an accent." ;)

we are at war with iraq.

DOWN WITH OSAMA! UP WITH.....SOMEONE BETTER THAN HIM!!!!!!

:sniper: :sniper: :sniper: :sniper: :sniper: :mp5: :mp5: :mp5: :D :mp5:

American English without an accent perhaps. ;)

Well thats what I meant seeing as how this thread is North America and not England :p ;)

we are at war...
So you must report on all the Chancellor's dealings, Anakin.

DOWN WITH OSAMA! UP WITH.....SOMEONE BETTER THAN HIM!!!!!!

:sniper: :sniper: :sniper: :sniper: :sniper: :mp5: :mp5: :mp5: :D :mp5:
何だHELL?

It should be multiple choice D:! I'm from Nashville, but Daddy is from Southern California, so I can speak the Western dialect, but I went to university in the Northeast, so I can speak that dialect too. I think a lot of us can speak more than one dialect... I can even speak comfortably in RP :/.

we are at war with iraq.

DOWN WITH OSAMA! UP WITH.....SOMEONE BETTER THAN HIM!!!!!!

:sniper: :sniper: :sniper: :sniper: :sniper: :mp5: :mp5: :mp5: :D
OMG you posted a totally irrelevant post with a load of guns. Perfect noob post. :)

we are at war with iraq.

DOWN WITH OSAMA! UP WITH.....SOMEONE BETTER THAN HIM!!!!!!

:sniper: :sniper: :sniper: :sniper: :sniper: :mp5: :mp5: :mp5: :D :mp5:

You're not that same guy who made that "Death to Arabs" thread are you?

You're not that same guy who made that "Death to Arabs" thread are you?

No that would probably be me...:D

Anyone agree that Californian (Western) English is English without an accent?

Nope. It's a regional dialect. See this (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/California_English#Phonology) andthis (http://www.pbs.org/speak/seatosea/americanvarieties/californian/) for an explanation. Also, don't forget that everyone has an accent.

Also, don't forget that everyone has an accent.

i've never figured out why this concept seems so difficult to grasp

I speak corrupted Central Californian. I was born and raised in Fresno and moved to Southern California. On top of that, I took too many drama-related speech classes in High School. As a result, I speak a hybrid dialect that's mostly standard English with Central California farmer, valley girl elements.

"Northeastern US" isn't precise enough. The "New Englander" accent is different in Maine than in Boston, the "New Yorker" accent isn't anything like "New Englander", Philly and Baltimore have their own accents, and in Pittsburgh, it's almost more Midwestern.

My accent is hard to pin down. I'm not a native New Englander, so I don't have that. I lived in the south for 20 years, but I definately do not have a Southern accent of any sort. Mine's probably some kind of cross between Pennsylvania Dutch and Midwestern.

*stands by, chops head off*

ah, new jersey: down the shore.

hey.....thats my tag...you a wise guy or just lucky..lol.

All Hail Southern Alaskan!!!!!!!!!!!!!:cool::D

Nope. It's a regional dialect. See this (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/California_English#Phonology) andthis (http://www.pbs.org/speak/seatosea/americanvarieties/californian/) for an explanation. Also, don't forget that everyone has an accent.
I don't know I always heard that reporters are often sent to the midwest because the area has less of an accent than other areas, or at least the most easily and widely understood accent.

I guess I would have a midwestern dialect being in Nebraska, but the midwest option seems to be covering a really large area. I know that people up north have a bit of a different dialect than around here same with people farther east or in places like Chicago.

*stands by, chops head off*

ah, new jersey: down the shore.

All hail New Jersey!

*commits Seppuku on others*
*insert maniacle laughter*

According to the Americans that have hear me speak, my dialect is from Chicago. I've never been to Chicago, so I can't really argue on that issue.

"Northeastern US" isn't precise enough. The "New Englander" accent is different in Maine than in Boston, the "New Yorker" accent isn't anything like "New Englander", Philly and Baltimore have their own accents, and in Pittsburgh, it's almost more Midwestern.

My accent is hard to pin down. I'm not a native New Englander, so I don't have that. I lived in the south for 20 years, but I definately do not have a Southern accent of any sort. Mine's probably some kind of cross between Pennsylvania Dutch and Midwestern.

While yes, you are correct, the limitations of the poll and the self imposed stricture to limit the survey to only 4 threads so as not to jam up the forum with the necessary number threads to cover all possible dialects of even North American English limited it to what you get.

I don't know I always heard that reporters are often sent to the midwest because the area has less of an accent than other areas, or at least the most easily and widely understood accent.

I guess I would have a midwestern dialect being in Nebraska, but the midwest option seems to be covering a really large area. I know that people up north have a bit of a different dialect than around here same with people farther east or in places like Chicago.

"General American" or "Standard Midwestern" is commonly considered to be the neutralest of the North American accents or dialects. It was popularised by Walter Cronkite, among others, as the prefered accent of newscasters, and remains so today. It holds a place similar to RP in the UK.

everyone that knows me says i have a northern accent. i dont know what that really means, but ok...

25% Dixie. You are a Yankee Doodle Dandy.

I'm a total New Englander

Not sure where your dialect falls ?
Try this !

http://www.alphadictionary.com/articles/yankeetest.html

My score was: 25% Dixie. You are a Yankee Doodle Dandy. ( wicked Pissah )

25% Dixie. You are a Yankee Doodle Dandy.

I'm a total New Englander

Not sure where your dialect falls ?
Try this !

http://www.alphadictionary.com/articles/yankeetest.html

My score was: 25% Dixie. You are a Yankee Doodle Dandy. ( wicked Pissah )

"78% Dixie. Your neck must be a little pink!"

40% Dixie. You are definitely a Yankee.

Born and raised in NJ :D

haha Yins, silly Western PA'ers

I was born in Texas near the Mexican border, and I've lived in the state all of my life (save for a few short stints in New Mexico and Colorado). However, living in Port Aransas around Midwesterners (mostly Michiganders) and New Englanders, I picked up their "dialects". I have a bastardised accent that ranges from Minneapolis to Boston. There's not a hint of Texas in me. Check the voice thread to see for yourselves.

Not once in my life have I said "y'all" (I say "you guys"), and I call running shoes "sneakers". And my dad's infinitely thick East Texas accent annoys the hell out of me.

40% Dixie. You are definitely a Yankee.

Born and raised in NJ :D

haha Yins, silly Western PA'ers

"Yinz wanna go dahntahn 'n' pick up some Ahrn City 'n' Jumbo 'innat?" :p

And here's my score: 17% Dixie. Wow! You are a Duke of Yankeedom!

Haha. Told you guys.

"Yinz wanna go dahntahn 'n' pick up some Ahrn City 'n' Jumbo 'innat?" :p

Sorry I've only been to Pittsburg long enough to ask "where are you all from?" and "Seahawks? They still have a team?"

Sorry I've only been to Pittsburg long enough to ask "where are you all from?" and "Seahawks? They still have a team?"

And you didn't even eat a Roethlisberger? For shame.

And it's Pittsburgh, dude. Seriously. You should know the name of the second largest city in your state. :p

And you didn't even eat a Roethlisberger? For shame.

And it's Pittsburgh, dude. Seriously. You should know the name of the second largest city in your state. :p

I'm going back in the summer, it's a beautiful city.

New Jersey is my state, I'm only in PA to get away from it :p

Let see...Texan.

http://www.michigannative.com/ma_pronunciations.shtml

Heh, I actually say a lot of those words that way.

I'm going back in the summer, it's a beautiful city.

New Jersey is my state, I'm only in PA to get away from it :p

1: You're damn right it is. I'd like to go there, but seeing as how I have no car... And no money for a bus trip...

2: New Jersey, eh? Nice place, except for the parts near NYC.

2: New Jersey, eh? Nice place, except for the parts near NYC.

South Jersey has its sour patches: Pleasantville, Atlantic City, and Vineland (not so bad but getting there)

South Jersey has its sour patches: Pleasantville, Atlantic City, and Vineland (not so bad but getting there)

Still can't be as bad as the Houston area near the ship channel. It's really atrocious, what with the rotten egg stench in the air and the crumbling buildings.

And that steel mill... It smells like vomit and Pine Sol.

taken from your link: http://www.michigannative.com/ma_pronunciations.shtml
I abviausly speok like thot becouse I'm Michigonion.
Heh, I actually say a lot of those words that way.
Of course you do, the pronunciations are not uncommon. We just admit it, that's all.

[QUOTE=Mariehamn]I abviausly speok like thot becouse I'm Michigonion./QUOTE]

That's okay. You guys are practically Canadian anyway, with your love of hockey, and referring to soft drinks as 'pop'. You're okay in my book!

I abviausly speok like thot becouse I'm Michigonion.
That's okay. You guys are practically Canadian anyway, with your love of hockey, and referring to soft drinks as 'pop'. You're okay in my book!
If we ever did become Canadian, our very own organized state militia will take care of any pro-Canada trouble makers.
You're fine in my book. Then again... ;)