Philadelphia Weekly

The Changing Patterns of Philadelphia English

If you didn’t grow up in Philly, admit it: Sometimes, our unique accent can sound a little weird. A wry observer once quipped it “sounds like an Irishman impersonating Jack Nicholson.” Ever wondered why? University of Pennsylvania professor Bill Labov, one of the most respected scholars in the history of linguistics, will tell you everything you need to know. This is the lecture to attend if you want to solve our proud dialect’s most enduring mysteries. Like, why do we pronounce “Philadelphia” more like “Fulluffya”? What is this “wooter” stuff your waitress wants to get you? And why does our football team somehow rhyme with “giggles”?  Zero prior knowledge of linguistics is needed to enjoy the talk, and you’ll be a Philly accent expert as fast as you can ask, “Yo! Yiz wanna hoagie?” -T.C.

7pm. Free. Tyler School of Art at Temple University, 2001 N. 13th St. billlabov.eventbrite.com

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WHEN
Thursday, September 20, 2012
Recurring: ONCE

TIME & PRICE
7pm Free

WHERE
Tyler School of Art at Temple University , 2001 N. 13th St., Philadelphia, PA
One time only on 09/20/2012. .

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