Topic: Accent Question

[Alidar Jarok]

I was reading something about various different accents in the United States and I came to something I never even thought about before.  One of the areas it focused on was the accent of those living in Philadelphia.  Growing up in the suburbs, I never really thought that I had a Philadelphia accent.

One thing the article I was reading about focused on was the pronounciation of the letter "a".  There are two different pronounciations of the letter depending on whether you live in Boston (for an example), or the Midwest (for another example).  In Philadelphia, both pronounciations are used.

In Philly, "Can of Peas" is pronounced differently than "I Can do it".  I always thought it made sense, since they were two words that had little to do with each other, and it would obviously be less confusing to pronounce them differently.  But, after thinking about it, I wouldn't be suprised if very few other people pronounce it differently at all.

So here's the question, do you pronounce them the same, or differently.

[EE]

same

I live in Southern California

[kmelew]

I pronounce them the same.

I remember watching a show some years ago about the development of the English language.  The show stated that in the entire US there were about two dozen distinct variations of English, while in London alone that number was around three dozen.  I found that interesting.

[Capt. Mike]

Grew up between Buffalo and Niagara Falls...been all over the world and the US...haven't lost my childhood accent (or lack there of according to some)

But is it creek (long e) or creek (short i) ?  I've pronounced it both ways, depending on the use....


Mike

[Sirgod]

Interesting. I noticed when I said them Both outload, I Put a bit more Emphasis on the "C" in I can do It. I'm not sure if this is from an accent, Or from the General Psych, of making what would appear to be a Self Promoting Statement.

But as far as the "an" part, they both sound the same.

Oh and of course, Oklahoma.

stephen

[Alidar Jarok]

I pronounce them the same.

I remember watching a show some years ago about the development of the English language.  The show stated that in the entire US there were about two dozen distinct variations of English, while in London alone that number was around three dozen.  I found that interesting.

One other thing the article mentioned is the fact that, in Britain, R's are not pronounced (think Chowdah, Joisey, etc).  R's were, for awhile, considered to be an undesirable sound.  Philadelphia is one of the few exceptions.  As you go further west, however, a belief that it is important to pronounce every sound began to emerge and R's are pronounced.

Posted by Capt. Mike

But is it creek (long e) or creek (short i) ?  I've pronounced it both ways, depending on the use....

I say Creek, but I've heard Crick before (of course, I've heard Philly Iggles to describe our football team ).

[Gambler]

A can is a can is a can.  Unless it's on J'Lo. 

A creek carries water.  A crick is what you get in your neck or back.

[dragoon]

Here in the UK "I can do...." would almost sound like "I cun do....". It would almost be a sound between the "u" and "a".
This may be a regional use in Wales though. Though I personally prefer to pronounce it properly in certain company.

[Mog]

Absolutely no difference between can [of peas] and can [do].

[GDA-S'Cipio]

I pronounce them the same.  While I've heard people vary between "creek" and "crick" (the latter being rom out-of-towners), I've never heard anyone distinguish between "steel can" and "can do."

For your accent mapping purposes, I grew up in South Carolina, and have spent considerable time living in Georgia and Tennessee.  I now live in the DC area.

Now, try asking people how they pronounce the word pecan. 

-S'Cipio

[AlienLXIX]

I say it the same but I have this bad habit of picking up accents, just ask Sirgod he'll laugh and then tell you.  The thing that gets me is that not only do I get the accent right I also can do the local sayings!  For a while there when I was living in Virginia and I'd call home my mom couldn't understand me because I sounded like a lot of my friends.  It took a great deal of effort on my part to rethink everything I was about to say.


My mother insisted on her kids speaking strait english and not Hawaiian Pigion in the house.  Funny thing is other pigion speakers can tell what island and what part of that island (City of Waipahu on the island of Oahu) I come from just by my accent.

[Sirgod]

It's true about Alien Picking up on accents. It was funny watching the First two days, her start to sound more and more Okie. I think she became a Better shooter two, Through Gun Osmossis. 

Stephen

[Grand Master of Shadows NCC37385]

You all talk funny! I though when he said "Can of peas", he was talking about that French food. Can O'Pays, canopies,....

Watchoo talkin "bout Willis?