The absence of regional, independent bookstores in Appalachia and the South is similar to an urban sprawl in a bone-dry, flowerless space. We are all, in one way or another, readers for life. And readers search for some kind of respite, or thirst for a more tangible knowledge, or craveContinue Reading
Below are the answers to our Appalachian English Quiz 2. A bit of information about each word is given, using the following dictionaries: Oxford English Dictionary (OED) Dictionary of American Regional English (DARE) Dictionary of Smoky Mountain and Southern Appalachian English Other resources are linked within the definitions and information.Continue Reading
The myth of the Old West exerts a tremendous influence on the popular imagination. Zane Grey pulp novels, countless TV series, and iconic Western films ensure that the cowboy remains a uniquely American archetype representing in one writer’s words, “movement, isolation, change, and new beginnings.” Of course, the outlaw isContinue Reading
One of my greatest joys is visiting museums. I love museums of all kinds but I’m particularly fond of author museums. It should come as no surprise that my bias leans toward Southern authors. (And, if I break it down further, I’d say, I’m even fonder of Appalachian authors.) AContinue Reading
When you grow up sheltered in the shadows of the Appalachian Mountains, magic is all around you. My people came from across the world to these mountains and hollers: bringing with them a mixture of religions, demons, folklore, and wisdom. The mixture of these cultures, combined with the ever-present headyContinue Reading
People are often horrified when I explain how much a scene in the movie Deliverance, based on the James Dickey novel, reminds me of my family and fills me with such fond memories. No, not that scene, though I can’t blame anyone when the mind instantly leaps to that part.Continue Reading
The following excerpt was taken from Edward Francisco‘s introduction, “Appalachia Recognized,” in The South in Perspective: An Anthology of Southern Literature (2001 Prentice Hall p.1058-59) This anthology is the only Southern literary compilation to feature Appalachian literature as its own category. Works from writers within the region are acknowledged andContinue Reading
We’ve compiled some tidbits of information on these Appalachian English words. Some information is extensive, telling the first usage and a little etymology. Other information is sparse. Still other information is somewhat entertaining. 1. Coal oil: b.) kerosene From “How is Lamp Oil Made?” by Alex Burke onContinue Reading
The dialect and language of Appalachia is unique. Our way of speaking hearkens back to 1500s Middle English. Some of our words are, arguably, even Old English. (Hit, for example, is, as Wylene P. Dial writes, “the Old English third person singular neuter pronoun for [the word] it . .Continue Reading
Enjoy another sneak peak at Edward Francisco‘s forthcoming book, The Ever Changing Sky: Meditations on the Psalms (Resource Publishers). Look for it in 2021! Psalm 57 “My soul is among lions: and I lie even among them that are set on fire,Continue Reading
