University of Kentucky News: "UPK Book Gives Voice to Appalachian Speech" Dec. 2014
Radio interview with WMMT (March, 2016)
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"Talking Appalachian is a wonderful collection, challenging readers to learn about the many histories that have shaped Appalachian dialectical."—Ann Kingsolver, director of the Appalachian Center at the University of Kentucky
“Clark and Hayward are to be praised for assembling a well-ordered broad spectrum of conversant essays and literary pieces that stand to bring the study, understanding, and appreciation of Appalachian English(es) into a new era of cultivation.”—Chris Green, Director, Loyal Jones Appalachian Center, Berea College
“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..”—Jim Michnowicz, assistant professor of Spanish at North Carolina State University
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 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, editors Amy D. Clark and Nancy M. Hayward explore a variety of subjects, including southern Appalachian English speakers in professional and corporate positions, as well as provide excerpts from essays, poetry, short fiction, and novels to illustrate usage.
NOW IN PAPERBACK!
“Clark and Hayward are to be praised for assembling a well-ordered broad spectrum of conversant essays and literary pieces that stand to bring the study, understanding, and appreciation of Appalachian English(es) into a new era of cultivation.”—Chris Green, Director, Loyal Jones Appalachian Center, Berea College
“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..”—Jim Michnowicz, assistant professor of Spanish at North Carolina State University
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 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, editors Amy D. Clark and Nancy M. Hayward explore a variety of subjects, including southern Appalachian English speakers in professional and corporate positions, as well as provide excerpts from essays, poetry, short fiction, and novels to illustrate usage.
NOW IN PAPERBACK!