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US Southern Dialect
One of the most interesting aspects of using a foreign language is trying to effectively communicate with speakers of regional dialects. Dialect involves both nonstandard vocabulary and grammar—meaning that dictionaries and grammar reference sources may not be very helpful. Additionally, the accents of speakers of regional dialects often differ significantly from region to region even when they are using the same vocabulary and grammar.
One of the most widely spoken dialects in the United States is Southern dialect. Below is a list of sentences with uniquely Southern grammar and vocabulary. The meaning of each sentence is written on the side in parentheses in standard English.
I done told you before. (I already told you.)
I seen her first. (I saw her first.)
I knowed you for a fool soon as I seen you. (I knew you were a fool as soon as I saw you.)
You was sittin’ on that chair. (You were sitting in that chair.)
I been livin’ here darn near my whole life. (I’ve been living here almost all of my life.)
He’s fixin’ to eat. (He is just about to eat.)
I’m fixin’ to paint me a picture. (I’m just about to paint a picture.)
He’s gonna catch him a big one. (He’s going to catch a big one.)
This here’s mine and that there’s yours. (This is mine and that is yours.)
I liketa died. (I almost died. = I was completely surprised.)
He liketa got hit by a car. (He almost got hit by a car.)
J’y’all find what y’all’s lookin’ for? (Did you find what you were looking for?)
While there are some useful reference books that might help an outsider navigate the world of Southern dialect, the most pleasurable way of learning (as is the case with all regional dialects) is to actively engage with native speakers. Academia Language School’s ESL faculty represent a number of regions of the United States. Feel free to ask them about the dialects of their regions.