Hard Tellin’ Not Knowin’
Date
8-2015
Pages
93-95, 124-127
Abstract
Even though most 20th century dialect maps divide Maine into two dialect regions, some feel this has been too simplified. Many Mainers believe island accents are different from mainland ones, that the dialects amongst the different islands differ as well, that Franco-Americans in Madawaska sound different than Franco-Americans in the Lewiston area, that people from mid-coast speak differently than those from Downeast or Portland. The author, who is also a linguist, explains the difference between the different dialects, as well as why, when some people move away from the area they grew up speaking in lose the dialect and others don’t. The author also posits why some younger generations have a stronger dialect and sound more like their grandparents than their parents do today. [illustrations]
Subjects
English language--Dialects
Recommended Citation
Erard, Michael; Chang,, Hanji illustrator; and O'Brien,, Andy illustrator, "Hard Tellin’ Not Knowin’" (2015). Maine News Index - Down East Magazine. 4394.
https://digitalcommons.portlandlibrary.com/news_downeast/4394
Source
DownEast