Lexicon Valley from Booksmart Studios The American Accent Came First
20 snips
Jul 9, 2025 Discover how English sounded during the Revolutionary War, shattering the myth of uniform British accents. Explore the flamboyance of General Charles Lee compared to George Washington's practicality. Dive into the evolution of the verb 'do' and its cultural significance, alongside Langston Hughes' poetic expressions. Learn about the shifting perceptions of verb forms and the dynamic nature of English throughout history, all enriched by fascinating historical references that shape our language today.
AI Snips
Chapters
Books
Transcript
Episode notes
American Accent Came First
- The British accent as we know it now didn't exist during the Revolutionary War. - Both British and Americans sounded quite similar, closer to modern American English.
Colloquialisms Were Already Common
- 18th-century English included colloquialisms still used today, showing continuity. - For instance, the use of informal contractions like "shin them" appeared in formal letters.
Imperative "Do" Usage Explored
- The use of "do" as an imperative marker was common in Revolutionary War English. - This usage persisted into 20th-century Black English, showing linguistic lineage.
