Say What? Other Parts of America Love Our Montana ‘Accent’

Accent? What accent? I'm from Montana. I don't have an accent.

Right? How many of you long-time Montana residents, like me, can only conclude that no accent sounds like an accent? After all, we are essentially void of such words as "about" sounding like "a boat," and "get your" coming out more like "gitcher," and the "Rs" in "here, there and where" mostly disappearing.

So, what is it about Montana's accent?

Well, according to Amy Harris with Preply, an accent class provider, their thorough research effort has highlighted the great appeal of U.S. accents - particularly the Western category including Montana's unique accent.

Preply's study embarked on a deep dive into "America's rich tapestry of dialects, paying special attention to the unique appeal of the Montana accent."

The detailed analysis describes our accent as having a "soothing, rhythmic cadence – a peaceful murmur that mirrors the tranquil lifestyle of this western state." Wow! Ain't we all fancy like?

WE'RE #2...SHOULD WE TRY HARDER?

Preply says that because of its peaceful and rhythmic tone, the Montana accent has found a place in Americans' hearts. It ranks impressively as the second preferred accent nationwide, surpassing the popular Texan accent.

The study explored various regional accents in the U.S., focusing on the calming charm of western accents, like that spoken in Montana. Amid the diverse dialect variations across the country, Montana's accent stands out, rooted in its western influence, as a soothing voice in the crowd.

THE TOP 5 DESIRED ACCENTS AND THEIR ALLURING FACTORS

1. Southern: This cadence is warm and inviting due to its slow, lyrical vowels, portraying the charm and hospitality of the South.
   
2. Western (with subtleties like the Montana accent): The serene, lucid tones, reminiscent of the relaxed Western U.S. lifestyle, sit comfortably within the top five, particularly the Montana dialect for its soothing rhythm and drawl.
   
3. Cajun: A lively and distinctive mix of French and English makes the Cajun accent unique.
   
4. Hawaiian: Likened to a soothing melody, the gentle, melodic Hawaiian accent is comforting.
   
5. Texan: Known for its slow, rhythmic drawl, the Texan accent often suggests friendliness and warmth.

AND OF COURSE, THERE IS A LEAST-APPEALING 5

1. Chicagoan (Illinois): Characterized by strong vowels and nasal tones; often likened to a stale, frozen pancake.
   
2. New Yorker (New York City): Recognized by its fast pace; perceived as nasal, rushed, or impolite by some.
   
3. Southern Ohioan (Southern Ohio): Defined by a mild, flat tone, which may be interpreted as dull.
   
4. Mid-Atlantic: Its inflection gathers both praise (clear, transatlantic quality) and criticism (viewed as artificial) and isn't geographically localized.
5. New Jerseyan (New Jersey): Noted for strong vowels and unique persona, many listeners perceive it as nasal, swift, or abrupt.

So, in conclusion: Montana, not only are you looking good, you're sounding good! It was actually a really fun study for a career broadcaster, but lots of others will find it interesting too. You can find more details in what went into the study here. You can also learn more about Preply by checking out their home page.

Big thanks to Amy Harris with Preply for taking the time to ACCENT-uate Montana.