Vowels and Consonants — Vowels and Consonants

Linguists trace regional pronunciation features, such as dropping the glide in words like 'my' or 'high,' to historical settlement patterns.

Coastal areas historically developed 'r-less' speech linked to settlers from southeastern England, while inland regions developed 'r-ful' speech influenced by Scots-Irish immigrants. Today, population shifts to the Sunbelt continue to influence how these distinct dialect patterns spread and evolve.