Learning Languages in Society with Gabi.
Learning Languages in society with Gabi is your podcasting and blogging go-to resource especially designed for advanced language learners like you so that you can feel better integrated in a new linguistic and social environment with the help of sociolinguistics.
By listening to this podcast you will:
1. Find useful tips to keep up the high level you have achieved in your favorite languages and brush up on your language skills.
2. Learn how to decode the linguistic and cultural intricacies of our societies so you can deepen your knowledge of the culture whose language you are studying and become part of that new society.
3. Learn about what the science of linguistics is and its different constituents.
4. Learn interesting facts about foreign language acquisition.
5. Listen to interesting interviews with multilingual guests and learn about their work.
6. Learn about the benefits of mindfulness meditation to learning and using a new language in public.
7. Learn about the medical benefits to learn new languages.
8. Learn about the migrations and history of people whose languages have had an influence on the local languages we speak today and realize you are also making history.
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Learning Languages in Society with Gabi.
#036 - Scandinavian sound patters in American English.
#036 - In this episode Gabi gives a few sound patters most commonly found a few generations back in Scandinavian-American communities across the US.
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Hi everybody my name is Gabi and welcome back to your favorite show learning languages in society with Gabi.
Today I am going to close the cycle of Scandinavian migrations in the US by giving you a brief list of the sound patters most commonly found within the circles of Scandinavian immigrants in the midwest.
A Fun Dive into Scandinavian-American Speech and its Influence on the Midwest
Welcome, language lovers and history buffs! Today, we’re embarking on a fascinating journey through the sounds and stories of Scandinavian-American speech and its enduring impact on the Midwest. Picture yourself surrounded by the rolling farmlands of Wisconsin and the bustling streets of Chicago, as we unravel how Norwegian and Swedish immigrants shaped the way people talk in these regions.
From Scandinavia to the Midwest: A Linguistic Adventure
Imagine the 1800s, when waves of Norwegian and Swedish immigrants set sail for America, bringing their dreams, traditions, and unique ways of speaking. As they settled in places like Wisconsin, Minnesota, and Illinois, their languages started mingling with English. Over time, this mix created some truly distinct speech patterns that still echo in the Midwest today.
One fun example is the “stopping” of certain sounds. Have you ever heard someone say "dem over dere" instead of "them over there"? This quirky twist, turning the "th" sounds into "d" or "t," can be traced back to those early immigrants whose native tongues lacked these tricky sounds. Today, it’s a charming stereotype of Upper Midwestern speech, often highlighted in jokes and pop culture, like the famous "da Bears" sketch on Saturday Night Live.
Stereotypes and Social Shifts: The Evolution of Stopping
Originally, stopping was just a practical adaptation for immigrants. However, it has evolved into a marker of identity. In Chicago, it’s associated with the working class, while in rural Wisconsin, it’s seen as a sign of rustic charm. This shows how language features can shift in meaning over time, influenced by who’s using them and how they’re perceived.
Norwegian and Swedish Roots: The Early Studies
Researchers have been fascinated by Norwegian-American speech since the 1920s, delving into how these immigrants spoke and how their speech changed over generations. Swedish-American English, while not studied as long, has also revealed intriguing patterns. Early on, stopping was widespread among immigrants, reflecting their original languages and the rural settings they often lived in.
Ole and Lena: The Quintessential Rural Life Jokes
A staple of Scandinavian-American culture is the beloved Ole and Lena jokes. These humorous tales often paint a picture of rural life, filled with farming adventures and comical misunderstandings. For instance, there's the classic joke where Sven sees a "Boat For Sale" sign at Ole’s house, despite Ole only having a tractor and combine. Ole cheekily responds, “Yup, and they’re boat for sale,” highlighting the playful linguistic twist.
The Great "Z" to "S" Switch
Another fascinating feature is the realization of the "z" sound as "s" in Scandinavian-American English. This change has been observed since the mid-20th century, showing up in words like “busy” and “cousin.” Though less consistent over time, it remains a subtle marker of Scandinavian heritage in the region’s speech.
Granny and the Blend of Accents
In the 1990s, comedian Dorothy Stager brought to life “Granny,” a lovable Norwegian grandmother character. Granny’s speech blended various accents, including Scandinavian influences and Southern US elements, creating a delightful mix that embodied the diverse linguistic landscape of the Upper Midwest.
Wrapping Up: The Living Legacy of Scandinavian Speech
From the early days of immigration to modern times, Scandinavian speech patterns have left a lasting imprint on the Midwest. These linguistic quirks, from “dem, dere, dose” to the playful Ole and Lena jokes, remind us of the rich cultural tapestry woven by these communities. So next time you're in the Midwest, listen closely – you might just hear the echoes of Norwegian and Swedish ancestors in the charming way people talk.