"I’m beginning to wonder if this attack on Southern diction is part of a much larger crusade to eradicate our way of life – our traditions." That is precisely what it is.
$5Au was taught that "You" was used in London, which, of course, came to dominate English the way Parisian dialect became standard French. "Thou" was common to another English city, probably York. Never checked to see if this is accurate. Perhaps someone can enlighten us.
Why, not a thang, darling. I grew up in NC and though I have been on the left coast for near to 40 years I still miss that soft mush mouth talk. I wasn't too partial to folks thinking anything not about church, kids, work or hunting and fishing was too controversial. So I ran away when I turned 18.
$5Au is surprised no one has commented on how much the Feds are paying for this class. It would be charming if they hire an instructor who is a Yooper (northern peninsula of Michigan) and everyone ends up sounding like a Canadian, eh.
"Y'all" is, in fact, Southerners' attempt to speak properly.
"You" is, in fact, the plural form of "thou". I believe that the habit of saying, "y'all" came about way back when, when southerners were dropping the singular form, but still felt a subconscious need to differentiate between singular and plural.
I spoke slowly with a Southern drawl when I moved from Texas to NJ when I was nine. When I went to the ear/nose/throat specialist, my doctor asked my mother whether I had a speech impediment. I politely said, "No, sir." without such a drawl. My mom promptly slapped the doctor.
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ALL Y'all is PLURAL.
-Jeff Foxworthy-
40 years ago "Dixie" was played at every baseball, football, and basketball game in the south.
That is precisely what it is.
"You" is, in fact, the plural form of "thou". I believe that the habit of saying, "y'all" came about way back when, when southerners were dropping the singular form, but still felt a subconscious need to differentiate between singular and plural.
Just a personal theory.