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

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SUMMARY

The Tangier Island dialect, influenced by early English settlers from Devon and Cornwall in the 1670s, exhibits unique characteristics that blend American and British accents. Forum participants noted similarities to Newfoundland accents, particularly in the way speakers articulate words, often described as "not moving their upper lips." The dialect is considered an archaic form of English, retaining features from the 1600s, and is further shaped by the island's physical isolation. Additionally, the locals have a peculiar way of expressing themselves, often speaking in reverse, which serves as a code to communicate with outsiders.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of regional English dialects, specifically West Country and Newfoundland accents.
  • Familiarity with the historical context of English settlement in America, particularly in Virginia.
  • Knowledge of linguistic features such as vowel length and intonation patterns.
  • Awareness of the influence of isolation on language development.
NEXT STEPS
  • Research the historical migration patterns of English settlers to Tangier Island.
  • Explore the linguistic characteristics of West Country English and its evolution.
  • Investigate the relationship between Newfoundland dialects and their British counterparts.
  • Study the phenomenon of "backward talk" in regional dialects and its cultural significance.
USEFUL FOR

Linguists, dialect coaches, historians, and anyone interested in the evolution of English language and dialects, particularly those with a focus on American English variations.

  • #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.