Overview

Tradition, community, and pride are fundamental aspects of the history of Appalachia, and the language of the region is a living testament to its rich heritage. Despite the persistence of unflattering stereotypes and cultural discrimination associated with their style of speech, Appalachians have organized to preserve regional dialects -- complex forms of English peppered with words, phrases, and pronunciations unique to the area and its people. Talking Appalachian examines these distinctive speech varieties and emphasizes their role in expressing local history and promoting a shared identity. Beginning with a historical and geographical overview of the region that analyzes the origins of its dialects, this volume features detailed research and local case studies investigating their use. The contributors explore a variety of subjects, including the success of African American Appalachian English and southern Appalachian English speakers in professional and corporate positions. In addition, editors Amy D. Clark and Nancy M. Hayward provide excerpts from essays, poetry, short fiction, and novels to illustrate usage. With contributions from well-known authors such as George Ella Lyon and Silas House, this balanced collection is the most comprehensive, accessible study of Appalachian language available today.

Full Product Details

Author:   Amy D. Clark ,  Nancy M. Hayward
Publisher:   The University Press of Kentucky
Imprint:   The University Press of Kentucky
Dimensions:   Width: 15.20cm , Height: 1.90cm , Length: 22.90cm
Weight:   0.576kg
ISBN:  

9780813140964

ISBN 10:   081314096
Pages:   274
Publication Date:   29 August 2014
Audience:   College/higher education ,  Professional and scholarly ,  Tertiary & Higher Education ,  Professional & Vocational
Format:   Hardback
Publisher's Status:   Active
Availability:   In stock  
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Table of Contents

Reviews

This unique book creates an understanding and acceptance of the Appalachian vernacular as an expression of history, identity, and space. Includes bibliographies, index, and short biographies of the contributors. -- Claudene Sproles, Kentucky Libraries

[...] [The book] rounds out a reader's understanding of an important and identifiable characteristic of Appalachian life. -- <i> <i>Courier-Journal</i></i></p>

<p> This book fills a need in college and secondary classrooms in a unique and exciting way -- examining a stigmatized, regional variety that also serves as a strong indicator of in-group membership and identity for many (but not all) of its speakers through the use of both research studies and essays/literary excerpts. This is an ambitious project that will serve students, researchers, and instructors for many years to come. -- Jim Michnowicz, assistant professor of Spanish at North Carolina State University --

Beginning with a historical and geographical overview of the region that analyzes the origins of its dialects, this volume features detailed research and local case studies investigating their use.... With contributions from well-known authors such as George Ella Lyon and Silas House, this balanced collection is the most comprehensive accessible study of Appalachian language available today. -- Paintsville Herald

Author Information

Amy D. Clark is associate professor of English at the University of Virginia's College at Wise, USA. Nancy M. Hayward is professor emeritus of English at the Indiana University of Pennsylvania, USA.

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