Linguists studying the Southern American Dialect reckon that it ain’t what it used to be, y’all. I do declayuh!
Otherwords is a PBS web series on Storied that digs deep into this quintessential human trait of language and finds the fascinating, thought-provoking, and funny stories behind the words and sounds we take for granted. Incorporating the fields of biology, history, cultural studies, literature, and more, linguistics has something for everyone and offers a unique perspective on what it means to be human.
Alright, we can drop the accent, but y’all gotta compromise and accept the word y’all.
The video mentions how “y’all” has become a more nationwide word due to its usefulness.
I’m honestly really glad it seems to be a shared opinion that’s changed over the years. About 10 years ago I got told it was unprofessional language in the workplace.
I’ve been using y’all in corporate America for about five years now and have yet had a manager condemn its use. It’s widely accepted now and I’ve had coworkers mentioned it makes them fondly remember family from the south. It’s just a good colloquial for referring to a group. Oddly enough “you guys” has slowly been entering my diction too due to working with more folks from the west and midwest.Midwest.
Ain’t is one I still unconsciously avoid in professional settings though.
I think Black English has been a major contributor towards towards mainstreaming “y’all” outside of the South. The rise of black stories being told on television and through film, plus the rise of hip hop/rap as a mainstream genre of music, has helped normalize certain phrases that used to only be associated with either the South or with black vernacular.
Every other language has a version of you all
Thank goodness!
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The South could use another good Shermaning to finish it off
No thanks.
Lotta great people down here politics is just gerrymandered
