Standard American accent?

Frank Abate abatefr at EARTHLINK.NET
Fri Jan 18 02:42:57 UTC 2002


Not to be contrary, but in my view the most "neutral" American dialect is
that heard from those raised in, or longtime denizens of Nebraska.

I myself (from northern Ohio/SE Michigan) find the northwest dialect marked,
at least in terms of intonational patterns.

Examples of native Nebraskans in the media are Johnny Carson, Dick Cavett
(influenced, no doubt, by his NE education and long habitation), and Tom
Brokaw (overlooking his trouble with saying the letter L).


Frank Abate
Dictionary & Reference Specialists (DRS)
Consulting & Lexicographic Services
(860) 349-5400
abatefr at earthlink.net



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