Pittsburgh's black/white/hispanic relations (Ross Township: universities, live, move)

[ElijahAstin]

Originally Posted by concept_fusion

I'm not sure what it is about Pittsburgh, but the social scene isn't exactly open. It's some kind of closed off loop where unless you grew up together, forget about ever getting an invite over. Another thing about Pittsburgh is, you can't be intellectual and discuss international affairs or something. People won't get it or appreciate it. I've lived in areas where people intentionally mispronounce words just because it's more acceptable than saying correct English. To sound smart here is not cool.

As a Woodland Hills High School teacher once said to me:

The Treaty of Ver-sigh

The Township of North Ver-sales

It's not just Pittsburgh, though. In rural South Jersey, for example, Buena is pronounced "Byuna." Even some wealthy areas have "incorrect" place name pronunciations, such as New Canaan (New Cane-in) in Connecticut.

[jay5835]

Originally Posted by HeavenWood

Even some wealthy areas have "incorrect" place name pronunciations, such as New Canaan (New Cane-in) in Connecticut.

I've never heard another pronunciation of "Canaan."

[wpipkins2]

Originally Posted by eschaton

I think in NYC it's more a matter of there being so much to do everywhere there really is no reason to leave your particular hood too much.

For example, let's say you live in Park Slope, and hear about a great Thai place in the East Village. Maybe if you work in Manhattan you'd try it out, but why bother otherwise when you have 15 Thai places either within walking distance or one subway stop away?

Also, remember that some of NYC's biggest neighborhoods (like Long Island City) basically have as many people as Pittsburgh all by themselves.

Thats not an excuse. Im an urban explorer and would not limit myself to five city blocks.

[ElijahAstin]

Originally Posted by jay5835

I've never heard another pronunciation of "Canaan."

I believe it's K'Nahn, but maybe "Cane-in" is just a general American thing?

[jay5835]

Originally Posted by HeavenWood

I believe it's K'Nahn, but maybe "Cane-in" is just a general American thing?

Is that Hebrew?

[ElijahAstin]

Originally Posted by jay5835

Is that Hebrew?

Yes, among other Canaanite languages (Canaanite is a subfamily of Semitic languages).

[jay5835]

Originally Posted by HeavenWood

Yes, among other Canaanite languages (Canaanite is a subfamily of Semitic languages).

Guess what. You were right. http://www.forvo.com/word/canaan/

[Agbor]

I think on a social level, Pittsburgh is just a big country town?...and that the East End might be more cosmopolitan?...For
example..with the Yinzers I can talk basic sports and basic front page news...with the ghetto types its what is
going on the reality shows,sports or how bad the kids are..or church..or stars in the entertainment..

If I talk about my own interests such as Afro-Beat, the British Northern Soul scene, House Music or African and Caribbean
issues..I have to explain what I am talking about first, unless its transplants from NYC or foreign people usually connected
with the Universities...

My Spanish and Krio is going to waste here too..

[UKyank]

Originally Posted by Agbor

I think on a social level, Pittsburgh is just a big country town?...and that the East End might be more cosmopolitan?...For
example..with the Yinzers I can talk basic sports and basic front page news...with the ghetto types its what is
going on the reality shows,sports or how bad the kids are..or church..or stars in the entertainment..

If I talk about my own interests such as Afro-Beat, the British Northern Soul scene, House Music or African and Caribbean
issues..I have to explain what I am talking about first, unless its transplants from NYC or foreign people usually connected
with the Universities...

My Spanish and Krio is going to waste here too..

I don't think you're going to get many takers on discussions about such niche music anywhere, including NYC, outside of a few select circles.

[Lucario]

Originally Posted by UKyank

I don't think you're going to get many takers on discussions about such niche music anywhere, including NYC, outside of a few select circles.

But Pgh. is a wasteland compared to many other places.............I certainly would have been interested in such a discussion.