Things I Miss

Most would read this title and think, “This is going to be another reminiscent article about change”. Well that’s true, as even the good book says, “No man also having drunk old wine straightway desires new: for he says, “The old is better”. Luke 5:39 Do you ever feel this way? I think we all do! 

One if the things I miss most about our lovely city is a little known accent that deemed one a true Charlestonian when spoken. It is a mixture of those who hail from England. The first one, known as the “friendliest accent” on the other side of the pond, is spoken by those from Northern England in a place called Newcastle. Originally these folks spoke Angles (Anglo), but today is referred to as “Geordie”. Other influences were Saxons, from the Southern British accent called “Tidewater” and those from the British Isles, all of which have their roots in the Middle Ages. 

Used to be when one supported historic Charleston preservation, upon arrival to the grand homes on display at the annual tour of homes, you were greeted by the master and mistress of the house in a dialect that let you know you had just stepped across time to another era. "I once asked the lady of the house if I could record her, just so we wouldn’t lose it!" You tell me, isn’t this lovely? “Let’s leave the “həuse” and go down to the “batree” to read the “pəpa” and watch the “bowts”. 

With all the nationalities of US citizenry moving to Charleston, it is even more important that we preserve what we now call a Southern accent. The funniest thing is that folks all over America love to hear us speak, so no matter what we’re told let’s keep it, Amen? Cheers!