The South will rise again

"Tell me the truth-do you think I've lost my Southern accent? I feel like it comes back only when I'm shouting at fights or at baseball games." --Cleo Moore

"I used to say that whenever people heard my Southern accent, they always wanted to deduct 100 IQ points." --Jeff Foxworthy

I overheard someone say y'all today and I almost jumped out of my seat to go give them a hug. A shared American accent amidst a sea of mangled British voices and Xhosa clicks (all of which I love...) is an instant camaraderie; the clear sound of two outsiders finding each other.

But because I've gotten so used to hearing South African (and German...) accents, hearing an American speak gives me a jolt of surprise. My first thought isn't "Oh how nice! The sound of my homeland!" but is more along the lines of "Whoa. You sound funny. Oh wait....that's what I sound like."

Long live 'Merica

This picture has no relevance, but it makes me laugh. I love African signs.