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Speaking of accents, yesterday I dropped in on the Carolina Panthers training camp in Spartanburg, and I heard a Panther fan talking in what sounded like a Southern accent with a bit of Pittsburgh influence. The Pittsburgh traits included the monophthongization of the "ow" sound so it comes out "ah," and the long "o" sound coming out "eaou" (start by pronouncing a short "e" sound and gradually turn it into a long "o" sound). Like if he said he was about to go, he'd say, "I'm abaht to geaou," but everything else sounded Southern. It makes me wonder if there's a bit of "Midland bleed" down the Appalachian Mountains when it comes to accents.
He/she could have been from Charlotte, which is full of Pittsburgh transplants.
As far as accents, I would agree with some of the previous comments, but I will say that any generalities are just that. Within each major metro, I notice a HUGE variation of accents, almost so that it is becoming harder to make these generalizations. This is kinda my perception. From Charleston natives, I hear a more "Old Proper Southern" accent, and you hear an omission of the "r" from Charleston; ie "Challston", or "Challotte." The upstate really has so many micro areas that the natives have a big variety. When you get in the hills, it is definitely more "country" and "twangy." I'm not really sure about native Columbianites, but the midlands in general seem to be a little more typical southern, whatever that really is. For our big 3, transplants, immigrants, and non-locals have really changed a lot of this, and I hear everything in the Greenville area now; accents from all around the country and many different countries.
I also think Florence has an interesting accent, almost a little Charlestonian to me, but with a little more country or something. You also hear words like "warta" (water, this is a big one I notice with my relatives) and daurta (daughter). PROgrum (program) is another one I hear a lot there.
I find speech fascinating and in truth, there are differences everywhere, with no area really having "no accent." Accent is really a function of your immediate area and what you come accustomed to from many, many conversations over time. I have always thought is was a little funny (and even superficial) to make fun of accents. Unfortunately, many people around the country look down on, and make fun of, people from the South for our accents. In my opinion, it really speaks to their prejudices. People from all other regions have accents too, but it is only ok to make fun of a southern accent. Goodness knows Hollywood hasn't done us any favors in that regard.
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