Tangier Island Dialect: A Unique Blend of English and American Influences

  • Thread starter Thread starter Ouabache
  • Start date Start date
Click For Summary

Discussion Overview

The discussion centers around the unique dialect spoken by the residents of Tangier Island, Virginia, exploring its origins and influences from English and American accents. Participants share their experiences and observations regarding the accent, comparing it to various dialects from the UK and Newfoundland.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Debate/contested
  • Technical explanation

Main Points Raised

  • Some participants note that the Tangier Island dialect may resemble accents from the West Country of England, particularly Devon and Cornwall.
  • Others suggest it sounds similar to Newfoundland accents, with references to "Newfies" being made.
  • A participant mentions that the dialect may have been influenced by Scottish settlers and physical isolation from mainland Virginia.
  • There are claims that the dialect retains archaic features of English, with some words and intonations being reminiscent of older forms of the language.
  • One participant shares a comparison with a Cornish fisherman's accent, suggesting similarities in intonation.
  • Another participant expresses uncertainty about the specific regional influences, considering Yorkshire as a possibility but ultimately leaning towards West Country origins.
  • Some participants discuss the characteristics of the accent, including the movement of the upper lip while speaking and the vowel sounds.
  • There is mention of a potential mix-up between West Country and West Midlands accents, with clarifications on their distinct features.
  • Concerns about the future of Tangier Island due to environmental changes are also noted.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants do not reach a consensus on the exact origins or classification of the Tangier Island dialect, with multiple competing views and interpretations remaining throughout the discussion.

Contextual Notes

Some claims rely on personal experiences and anecdotal evidence, and there are unresolved questions regarding the specific influences and characteristics of the dialect.

Who May Find This Useful

Individuals interested in linguistics, dialectology, or the cultural history of American English may find this discussion relevant.

  • #31
Pity to see such xenophobia here, arildno. I suppose an education in physics does not always equal being worldly or culturally appreciative.
 
Science news on Phys.org
  • #32
E.kind said:
Pity to see such xenophobia here, arildno. I suppose an education in physics does not always equal being worldly or culturally appreciative.

What was xenophobic?
Some dialects are uglier than others, I gave three examples of Norwegian dialects I find ugly.
 
  • #33
arildno said:
What was xenophobic?
Some dialects are uglier than others, I gave three examples of Norwegian dialects I find ugly.
The Tangier dialect is not at all ugly to an American ear. It's quaint, and I wanted to hear more of it.
 
  • Like
Likes   Reactions: Ouabache
  • #34
zoobyshoe said:
The Tangier dialect is not at all ugly to an American ear. It's quaint, and I wanted to hear more of it.

That does not make me xenophobic, either.
Just because aesthetics is a local standard (similar to assigning labels "left"/"right"), doesn't make it any less true :approve:
 
  • #35
I needed to listen to some of it a few times, but it is pretty understandable once you get the hang of it.

But the reason I responded. A question I've always had. What's the dialect of Nicolas Cage? I always find is sounds pretty cool.
 
  • #36
MarcoD said:
But the reason I responded. A question I've always had. What's the dialect of Nicolas Cage? I always find is sounds pretty cool.
Cageian. Not to be confused with Cajun.
 
  • #37
arildno said:
That does not make me xenophobic, either.
I didn't say you were xenophobic. I was just pointing out that you may be in the minority in finding it ugly.
Just because aesthetics is a local standard (similar to assigning labels "left"/"right"), doesn't make it any less true :approve:
I don't follow this. Left and right are local phenomena?
 
  • #38
zoobyshoe said:
I don't follow this. Left and right are local phenomena?
:smile:
 
  • #39
zoobyshoe said:
Cageian. Not to be confused with Cajun.

Great, that helped. :rolleyes:
 
  • #40
MarcoD said:
Great, that helped. :rolleyes:
He doesn't have an accent, just a very distinctive personal way of speaking, like Jimmy Stewart or John Wayne.