The Myths and Realities of Appalachian Englishes

Have you ever heard someone say that people from the Appalachian Mountains sound like Shakespeare? Or maybe you’ve been told that the language spoken there is frozen in time? Dr. Jennifer Cramer, associate professor and chair of linguistics at the University of Kentucky, will address misconceptions about the linguistic varieties employed by Appalachians, which have hidden the vibrant and dynamic nature of their language and helped to perpetuate the idea that speakers of these dialects are old-fashioned and backward. This talk examines the myths and realities surrounding Appalachian Englishes by providing evidence that these varieties, like all others, are constantly changing.