52 Ancestors Week 14: Language

 

this week’s theme is “Language.”   

Not all language issues are with source documents.  

Sometimes language barriers occur with accents and spelling in your own language. 

The Appalachian Dialect...

Appalachian English is American English native to the Appalachian mountain region of the Eastern United States.

The Unique Language of Appalachia: A Living Time Capsule

The Appalachian region, stretching from southern New York to northern Alabama and Georgia, is home to one of the most distinctive dialects in North America. Rooted in the early English, Scots-Irish, and German settlers who arrived in the 18th century, Appalachian English has retained many archaic words and phrases that have disappeared elsewhere.

A Time Capsule of Old English

I, for one, do not subscribe to the theory that Appalachians speak "Old English". 

It's been said that Appalachian speech is its preservation of Elizabethan English. Words like afeared (afraid), reckon (suppose), and britches (pants) date back centuries (and yes, we do say those words). The grammatical structures also reflect older forms of English, such as double modals ("I might could do that") and the use of a- prefixing ("He was a-hunting")—a feature found in Middle English poetry.

But, extensive research has been conducted since the 1930's to determine the origin of the Appalachian dialect.  Most would agree that it's an amalgam of Old English from original settlers, colonial 18th century English from the descendants of the original settlers, and a lot of Ulster-Scot dialect.

Without a doubt, Appalachians have always been taunted for their speech to the point of the Appalachian Dialect inferring poorness, laziness, and lack of education.  All of which is completely false.

Click on Read More to see samples on how Appalachians speak and what common words we use in sentences....

Distinctive Appalachian Sayings

Beyond the grammar, the region has a wealth of colorful expressions.  This is a product of dialect not education:

• "That dog won’t hunt." (Something won’t work.)

• "He's as independent as a deer on ice." (Someone who refuses help.)

• "Fair to middlin’." (Doing okay, not great but not bad.)

• "Jeet yet?"  (Did you get something to eat and do you want more.)

Side Note:  Where Appalachia meets the Eastern Shore

For myself, I very commonly, (almost always), leave out a prepositional phrase.  That is a combined product of living near Maryland's Eastern Shore with a heavy dose of Appalachian grammar and dialect. 

The one extremely clear way to hear "My Maryland" accent and dialect is when I pronounce anything that starts with an O.   Marylanders pronounce O with a muddled long drawl (not a Southern drawl).  It's a product of the "Delmarva" accent.  Actors have stated it is one of the most difficult accents and dialects to learn.  (Watch Mare of East Town for examples).

A Language of Resilience

Despite modernization, Appalachian English remains a vibrant part of the region’s identity. While often misunderstood or unfairly labeled as "improper," it reflects a deep cultural heritage. Folklore, music, and oral storytelling keep this unique dialect alive, ensuring that future generations continue to talk like their granddaddy done.

Note:  Don't get me started on how AI pronounces "App a latch a" or how it insists on grammar checking my Appalachian writings and poems. 

Watch our short Video on Appalachian Dialect and for the pronounciation. 

Do you have a favorite Appalachian phrase or story? 
Share it in the comments!

#52Ancestors was started by another WikiTreer, blogger, and professional genealogist, Amy Johnson Crow. Check out her Generations Cafe Facebook group.

Join the Appalachia Project on WikiTree to create your family tree.