Accents of English - US South

Front

What is the southern accent in the US?

Back

A regional accent found in the Southern United States, characterized by specific phonetic features and vocabulary.

Front

Are states like Maryland and Missouri always considered southern?

Back

False. These states have mixed cultural influences and are not always classified as southern.

Front

What is rhoticity in the context of accents?

Back

Rhoticity refers to the pronunciation of the 'r' sound in words. Southern accents are typically non-rhotic, meaning the 'r' is often not pronounced.

Front

How many people approximately have a southern accent in the US?

Back

Over 125 million people.

Front

Is there prejudice towards people with strong southern accents?

Back

Yes, there can be social stigma and prejudice associated with strong southern accents.

Front

What is a common stereotype about southern accents?

Back

That they are associated with lower intelligence or education, which is a misconception.

Front

What is a key characteristic of the southern accent?

Back

Vowel shifts, such as the diphthongization of certain vowels.

Front

What is the significance of the term 'hushpuppies' in southern culture?

Back

Hushpuppies are a type of fried cornmeal ball, not related to alligators.

Front

What role does geography play in the variation of southern accents?

Back

Geography influences the development of distinct regional accents within the South.

Front

What is the impact of media on perceptions of southern accents?

Back

Media often perpetuates stereotypes, influencing public perception of southern accents.