Oklahoma perceptual dialectology
Abstract
This study presents an analysis of perceptual dialect maps drawn by 88 long-time Oklahoma residents. Participants described where/how people speak English differently within the state. By compiling data using a GIS, we created aggregated maps of labels and their associated regions. Categories of labels include Negative Attitude, Southern, Rural, Neutral/Standard Language, Twang, and Drawl. Negative Attitude aligns with Southern and Rural, while Neutral/Standard Language centers on urban areas. Twang and Drawl are associated with the south/southeast. Interestingly, Twang is also present in the cities. These findings suggest an urban/rural split among Oklahomans with regard to language variation in their state.