Why do regional accents exist? Why does the South sound so different to Northern accecents?

Answer 1

Im always fascinated by different accents too. What you must remember is that in particular in Britain and Ireland, regional accents evolved simply because of the lack of constant communication between areas through the ages. although the English language was introducced 'nationwide', each area adapted their own variations by default. The longer a country has been collonised, the greater the variations in accents. This is why in, say, Australia, accents vary only slightly - because mass communication in the time the nation was collonised, has contributed to similar accents throughout the country.

In my home town, accent is different from one side of the river to the other. Crazy

Answer 2

The answer lies in history. If you can overlook Virginia, the northern colonies in colonial America were settled by the English earlier than the southern colonies were. The Pilgrims landed in Massachusetts in 1620 and the first Puritans arrived there around 1627. However, the British didn't begin seriously colonizing the American South for more than a century later when James Oglethorpe established a prison colony in Georgia (1733).

The 17th and 18th centuries were tumultuous times in England. In the hundred years between the Pilgrims and James Oglethorpe, English society changed and the English language changed with it too. So, the English colonists who arrived in the southern colonies in the eighteenth century spoke something a little closer to modern British English.

Even after American indepenence, the South did not receive the large flux of immigrants that the northern states did. It remained more Anglo. On the other hand, the millions of Irish, Germans, Swedes, Norwegians, Scotch Canadians and Eastern European Jews who came to the northern states all left their mark on the American English of that region in some small way.

On a lighter note, someone once made the analogy that trying to make everyone speak languages with one accent is like trying to herd cats. You can't do it and invaribly, some accent differences will emerge just because of that fact alone.

Answer 3

Because the conquerors, i believe.
Conquerors and discoverers came from different parts of England, Holand, and other parts.
The accent they brought was the one that prevaliced on that area.

Answer 4

No idea! But it makes life difficult - my husband says he can't understand me all the time...I'm from Somerset and he is from...well, here and there, and there ....! We found word cards helped in the beginning...."Do you want a cup of tea...Yes"!!! Now we live in Spain and have to try to understand everyone else as well......!

Answer 5

not only regional but from town to town as well
i was bought up in the midlands and when i hear my dialect north staffs it always brings a nostalgic lump to my throat

Answer 6

Because anyone South of Watford is Foreign!!! Lol!!!

Answer 7

It's obvious why. I'll take my two points thanks!

Answer 8

are you serious!!!!!