Light On Dark Water

Want to hear a real southern accent?

Listen to Kathryn Tucker Windham.

Notice the way she says the "i" in "silence" and "I". That's the way I say it, although my accent is not nearly as rich as hers–mine is more nasal/twangy. This is the "i" that people render as "ah" when they're trying to capture a southern accent in print. I suppose I was twenty years old before I realized that that's what they meant, because it really isn't "ah". 

Sadly, Mrs. Windham's accent is disappearing. I don't think I know anyone under 65 or so who sounds like that.

Maclin Horton

4 responses to “Want to hear a real southern accent?”

  1. Janet

    That’s great. I wonder why people stopped talking like that. It makes me want to run out and find an old person to talk to.
    AMDG

    Reply
  2. Mac

    Good idea, but don’t wait too long.

    Reply
  3. Mac

    And I also wonder why this accent is disappearing. I know a lot of people who have grown up from the ’60s on have made some degree of effort to lose their southern accents, but probably more have not. There are certainly plenty of current young people who sound extremely southern, just not in this way.

    Reply
  4. Louise

    It’s a lovely accent – lots of character and quite easy to listen to (imo). She also had a lovely voice, which makes it even easier to listen to.

    Reply

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