[A&M Bulldawg]

Do you think the Southern Slang and Accent Is Disappearing in Alabama?

[southernnaturelover]

There is no yes or no answer to that. It's less noticeable in the cities, but then it has always seemed that way to me. The southern accent is certainly not disappearing in the small towns. I have a very strong southern accent.

[mimpdaddy]

No! Im reminded of that every time I go home.
But depends on where you are.
I think in places like Huntsville it will be lost very soon.

[gsp4ever]

No, the elided L is still present in Alabama, with no sign of going away. Some examples I hear frequently in the Huntsville area:

Light "bub" (bulb)
How can I "hep" you (help)
"Guf" Shores (Gulf)
"Sef" (self)

Also, I have observed a few children in this area (preschool/younger elementary grades) who have problems forming some consonants, specifically L's and R's. Reminds me of the old Bugs Bunny cartoon (Wascawwy Wabbit). One family is native to Alabama and the father pronounces some words like this, occasionally, so the son's formation may come from home. But the others I'm thinking about are transplants to Huntsville (in recent years when kids were small) and it makes me think that they may be getting these poor language skills from daycare workers, teachers and other local kids.

[southernnaturelover]

Originally Posted by gsp4ever

Light "bub" (bulb)
How can I "hep" you (help)
"Guf" Shores (Gulf)
"Sef" (self)

People down here pronounce their L's, that must be a Huntsville thing.

We don't say "want", it's pronounced that same way as "wont". We don't say "can't", we pronounce it as "caint". Dog is pronounced as "dawg".

[harry chickpea]

I'm not noticing it as much in the younger generations, so I think it is beginning to get lost. When I first moved to Birmingham, over twenty-five years ago, there was a distinct accent. When I tired to order one of the little fried apple pies at the local Burger King, I was asked by the teen if I wanted anything else with the paaa." Say wha??? I haven't heard a lot of the other idiosyncratic phrases in ages. It has been years since I was asked if I had a "case quarter" or "ink pin."

[Keeper]

I remember when I moved to H'ville in the 60s from Mobile, I went to a gas station and the kid asked me 'do u want 'arre' in your tars'. I had to ask him twice what he was saying.

I notice an accent more in the older folks who were born and raised here, not so much in the younger folks.

[gsp4ever]

Originally Posted by southernnaturelover

....that must be a Huntsville thing.

Would that be thing....or thang?

[southernnaturelover]

Originally Posted by gsp4ever

Would that be thing....or thang?

Thang.

Instead of "look at that thing over there", it's "look at that thang over yonder". I'm only 29, and I'll admit I speak VERY southern.

[AllenKarber]

I hope the accent doesn't disappear! I can't stand people trying not to sound southern! Don't be ashamed of who you are and where you come from!