[CDMOK]

Originally Posted by CaseySimplified

So here's a situation that I have been getting a lot of interesting responses about. Oklahoma is way different from Maryland and I really like that. I like that it is much more rural then Maryland. So is it wrong to tell people that I love it when they say "yall" or tell them I like their country accent? I really like this different culture/style of living. But most people get upset or offended when I tell them that I like the way they talk or what they say. Advice?

Casey

I think people react this way in general. I work at a grocery store, so I come into contact with all sorts of people every day. I have had Europeans, Ghanians, and all sorts of US accents. Any time I have ever commented on it, which is always in praise because I absolutely adore certain use of language and accents, reactions have always been almost.. on-gaurd and off-standish. As if I was insulting them or putting them out of place. So I have learned to be a bit more cautious of my mentioning it.

I am not sure why people react this way, other than a natural self-defense system.

Personally, I do not have a Southern accent (of course, I say that. I have been told otherwise), nor do I say "ya'll." Haha. I didn't grow up here. But you'll get used to it, I'm sure. Probably even pick up on it yourself

Welcome to Oklahoma. I hope you can make it through our fall season without feeling heartache for those beautiful New England scenes you come from. I've always wanted to experience the fall in NE, even as far south as Maryland.

[Synopsis]

The Eastern 1/4 of Oklahoma has some pretty spectacular Autumn displays "if" the conditions leading up to Autumn (plenty of rain, cool temps, sunshine) have been cooperative. However, there is no comparison to Autumn in New England. Autumn in New England is something everyone should get a chance to see first-hand.

Welcome to the forums CDMOK!

[CDMOK]

Originally Posted by Synopsis

Welcome to the forums CDMOK!

Thank you, Synopsis!

And I definitely love falls here, regardless. Trees are still stunning.

[karibear]

Originally Posted by Synopsis

The Eastern 1/4 of Oklahoma has some pretty spectacular Autumn displays "if" the conditions leading up to Autumn (plenty of rain, cool temps, sunshine) have been cooperative. However, there is no comparison to Autumn in New England. Autumn in New England is something everyone should get a chance to see first-hand.

Welcome to the forums CDMOK!

It's the same in the MO Ozarks. If everything comes together just right, it's spectacular - if not, it's a dismal bust.

[Stacy~Lyn]

Originally Posted by CaseySimplified

So here's a situation that I have been getting a lot of interesting responses about. Oklahoma is way different from Maryland and I really like that. I like that it is much more rural then Maryland. So is it wrong to tell people that I love it when they say "yall" or tell them I like their country accent? I really like this different culture/style of living. But most people get upset or offended when I tell them that I like the way they talk or what they say. Advice?

Casey

I'd say those people must not have been born here. Everyone I know is extremely proud of their accent and where they are from.

[CaseySimplified]

Maryland does have a nice fall season now that I think about it. I guess I have always just took it for granted. I guess I'll ease up on telling people I like their accents etc. until we get to know each other better.

Casey

[Nameless]

Originally Posted by CaseySimplified

So here's a situation that I have been getting a lot of interesting responses about. Oklahoma is way different from Maryland and I really like that. I like that it is much more rural then Maryland. So is it wrong to tell people that I love it when they say "yall" or tell them I like their country accent? I really like this different culture/style of living. But most people get upset or offended when I tell them that I like the way they talk or what they say. Advice?

Casey

My guess is because to all the natives it's not an accent, it's speech. They likely think you're insulting them as well and if they know you're from Maryland they probably figure it's just another jab at the middle of the country from one of the coasts.

Keep in mind, Oklahoman's are nice people but can be hard to get to know at first. Just try to break in, not jump in. It's not a problem in the metros but I figure in rural areas there is a stigma if you aren't "one of them".

[Bass&Catfish2008]

Originally Posted by CaseySimplified

So here's a situation that I have been getting a lot of interesting responses about. Oklahoma is way different from Maryland and I really like that. I like that it is much more rural then Maryland. So is it wrong to tell people that I love it when they say "yall" or tell them I like their country accent? I really like this different culture/style of living. But most people get upset or offended when I tell them that I like the way they talk or what they say. Advice?

Casey

I always was amazed that people said I had a southern accent when I lived outside of Oklahoma (East/West coast and some parts of the Midwest). I mean, I knew I did have an accent, but I never really had seen the differences in speech first hand until I lived away.

You know, most people I came into contact with really complimented me....some even wanted to contract the Oklahoma twang, LOL! So, at least from my experience, I would say as long as you're friendly about it (which I know you will) I don't see how anyone would really have a problem with it. People getting offended by you mentioning their accent would be more a problem with them and not you IMO.

[Bass&Catfish2008]

Originally Posted by Stacy~Lyn

I'd say those people must not have been born here. Everyone I know is extremely proud of their accent and where they are from.

Exactly, very well said.

[Jammie]

Yup, what Nameless said. Most of us don't consider our speech as an "accent". It's people from other areas who have the accent.

I still remember that long ago someone from a Southern state told me I have a "Wisconsin accent". I was totally surprised cause I don't think that people from Wisc. HAVE an accent.