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

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The discussion centers around the unique dialect of Tangier Island, Virginia, which has roots tracing back to English settlers from the 1670s. Participants share their impressions of the accent, noting similarities to accents from Newfoundland and the West Country of England, particularly Cornwall and Somerset. The dialect is described as archaic, with some suggesting it retains features of older English due to the island's isolation. A notable aspect of the Tangier dialect is its peculiar use of language, where locals may express positive sentiments in a way that sounds negative, a practice referred to as "talking backward." Comparisons are drawn to various accents, including those from Yorkshire and Appalachian regions, with some participants emphasizing the influence of historical migration patterns on the dialect. The conversation highlights the charm and distinctiveness of the Tangier accent, with many expressing a desire to learn more about the island's linguistic heritage.
  • #31
Pity to see such xenophobia here, arildno. I suppose an education in physics does not always equal being worldly or culturally appreciative.
 
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  • #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.
 
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  • #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.