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Southern US Accents & Shakespeare's Accent
In this intriguing YouTube video, the creator delves into the fascinating comparison between Southern US accents and Shakespeare's accent, as reconstructed by linguist David Crystal. The discussion pivots around the historical continuity—or rather, the discrepancies—between modern American accents and older British pronunciations, particularly around the time of Shakespeare in the early 1600s.
### Key Insights
1. Accent Comparison: The narrator chooses a broadly Southern US accent to demonstrate its features alongside a reconstructed accent representative of Shakespearean English. This juxtaposition highlights both the similarities and differences in pronunciation, particularly focusing on aspects like rhoticity—the pronunciation of the 'r' in all positions of words.
2. Rotic vs. Non-Rotic: General Southern US accents tend to be notably rhotic, meaning the 'r' sound is pronounced in all contexts, unlike some British accents that feature non-rhotic pronunciation (not pronouncing the 'r' unless it precedes a vowel). This aspect is key in understanding accents from both geographical regions.
3. Phonetic Touchstones: The video presents a reading of a famous Shakespearean soliloquy in both the modern Southern accent and the reconstructed Shakespearean accent. This includes discussions on vowel shifts and the impact of the Great Vowel Shift that historically altered English pronunciation.
4. Vowel Variations: Several vowel changes are discussed, particularly in terms of the Southern American vowel shift, which has led to distinct vowel sounds in words that would have been pronounced differently in Shakespeare's time. For instance, contrasts between words like "butter" and "butter" exemplify this phonetic evolution.
5. Linguistic Evolution: The narrator emphasizes that accents are fluid and evolve. No accent remains unchanged over centuries due to numerous linguistic factors. This is highlighted through examples of how Shakespeare’s accent, while reconstructed based on literature and linguistic research, offers insights into the common speech patterns of the era.
### Conclusion
This engaging video not only serves as a linguistic analysis but also as an invitation to appreciate the rich tapestry of language and accent evolution. With clear explanations and phonetic examples, viewers can gain a deeper understanding of how Southern US accents relate to Shakespearean speech patterns.
What are your thoughts on the evolution of accents? Have you noticed regional differences in American accents compared to older English pronunciations? Feel free to share your experiences or insights! This topic is expansive and connects deeply with discussions about culture, identity, and history within language.
In this intriguing YouTube video, the creator delves into the fascinating comparison between Southern US accents and Shakespeare's accent, as reconstructed by linguist David Crystal. The discussion pivots around the historical continuity—or rather, the discrepancies—between modern American accents and older British pronunciations, particularly around the time of Shakespeare in the early 1600s.
### Key Insights
1. Accent Comparison: The narrator chooses a broadly Southern US accent to demonstrate its features alongside a reconstructed accent representative of Shakespearean English. This juxtaposition highlights both the similarities and differences in pronunciation, particularly focusing on aspects like rhoticity—the pronunciation of the 'r' in all positions of words.
2. Rotic vs. Non-Rotic: General Southern US accents tend to be notably rhotic, meaning the 'r' sound is pronounced in all contexts, unlike some British accents that feature non-rhotic pronunciation (not pronouncing the 'r' unless it precedes a vowel). This aspect is key in understanding accents from both geographical regions.
3. Phonetic Touchstones: The video presents a reading of a famous Shakespearean soliloquy in both the modern Southern accent and the reconstructed Shakespearean accent. This includes discussions on vowel shifts and the impact of the Great Vowel Shift that historically altered English pronunciation.
4. Vowel Variations: Several vowel changes are discussed, particularly in terms of the Southern American vowel shift, which has led to distinct vowel sounds in words that would have been pronounced differently in Shakespeare's time. For instance, contrasts between words like "butter" and "butter" exemplify this phonetic evolution.
5. Linguistic Evolution: The narrator emphasizes that accents are fluid and evolve. No accent remains unchanged over centuries due to numerous linguistic factors. This is highlighted through examples of how Shakespeare’s accent, while reconstructed based on literature and linguistic research, offers insights into the common speech patterns of the era.
### Conclusion
This engaging video not only serves as a linguistic analysis but also as an invitation to appreciate the rich tapestry of language and accent evolution. With clear explanations and phonetic examples, viewers can gain a deeper understanding of how Southern US accents relate to Shakespearean speech patterns.
What are your thoughts on the evolution of accents? Have you noticed regional differences in American accents compared to older English pronunciations? Feel free to share your experiences or insights! This topic is expansive and connects deeply with discussions about culture, identity, and history within language.
