The Southern Language Barrier

Have you ever noticed that there are specific dialects scattered all throughout the South? There is a definite "Gulf" accent. There are those with the beautiful Creole accent. There is the Low Country accent. And Alabama, Georgia, Tennessee and Kentucky have their own as well.

And y'all, there is nothing more soothing to me than a Southern accent. I love to hear all the different types.

But sometimes, even amongst our own…there is a language barrier. And at times, it just gets funny.

Just a few other examples that I've dealt with recently:

Church lady: "What is your name?"
Me: "I'm Aleta."
Church lady: "Imalita?"
Me: "No ma'am. I'm (points to chest) Aleta."
Church lady: "Malita?"
Me: "My name is Aleta."

Store owner: "What part of Florida are you from?"
Me: "Chiefland."
Store owner: "Chief-lannnnnnnn."
Me: "Umm…yes, Chiefland."

Ocala Walgreens lady: "Where are you from?"
Me: "Oh, I'm from Trenton. Just about an hour away from here."
Ocala Walgreens lady: "Oh, you have the most distinctive South Carolina accent."
Me: "hmmmm…."

Me to friend: "What'd they have to allow?"
Friend (Looks at me incredulously)… "Aleta, I have no idea what you just said."
Me: "I asked what they had to allow?"
Friend: "Ummm????"

At times, I thought it might have been just my own awkwardness being projected off onto other people…but sometimes, I think it may just be a language barrier. Lol.