Watch American Tongues

American Tongues is a documentary film that explores the wide variety of American accents and dialects. Directed by Louis Alvarez and Andrew Kolker, the film was released in 1988 and features interviews with people from different regions of the United States. American Tongues is not a traditional narrative film, but rather a collection of interviews and discussions about language in America.

The film is divided into several sections, each of which focuses on a different aspect of language. The opening scene introduces viewers to the concept of dialects by showing a map of the United States with different regions highlighted. The filmmakers then interview people from these regions to illustrate the differences in language and culture.

The first section of the film explores the linguistic diversity of New York City. The filmmakers interview people from different parts of the city and highlight the differences in accent and pronunciation between neighborhoods. One segment of the film focuses on the stereotypical “New York accent” and shows how this accent varies across different ethnic groups in the city.

The second section of the film focuses on the differences between Northern and Southern accents. The filmmakers interview people from different parts of the country and ask them to read the same passage of text. Viewers can hear the differences in accent between the North and South, as well as between different regions within these broad areas.

The third section of the film looks at the differences between urban and rural accents. The filmmakers interview people from both types of areas and ask them to read the same passage of text. They also interview linguists and language experts who explain why these differences exist.

The fourth section of the film explores the linguistic differences between African American English and Standard American English. The filmmakers interview people from both groups and highlight the differences in pronunciation, grammar, and vocabulary. They also discuss the social implications of these differences and how they are often stigmatized or judged.

The fifth section of the film looks at the linguistic challenges faced by non-native English speakers in America. The filmmakers interview people from different countries who have learned English as a second language, and they discuss the difficulties they have faced with pronunciation, grammar, and vocabulary.

Throughout the film, the interviews are interspersed with clips from popular culture that highlight the differences in language across different regions and groups. For example, the filmmakers show clips from TV shows and movies that use different accents and dialects to create humor or emphasize stereotypes.

One of the strengths of American Tongues is its ability to demonstrate how language is a reflection of culture and identity. The film shows how people use language to connect with their communities and express their individuality. It also highlights the ways in which language can be a barrier to communication and understanding between different groups.

Overall, American Tongues is an engaging and informative documentary that explores the linguistic diversity of America. It provides valuable insights into language and culture, and it underscores the importance of communication and understanding in a diverse society.

American Tongues is a 1989 documentary with a runtime of 56 minutes. It has received mostly positive reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 7.5.