Ep 2. American Tongues

American Tongues was the second episode of the first season of POV, a documentary series that presents a diverse range of perspectives on different subjects, including social issues, politics, and culture. This episode is a fascinating exploration of regional dialects and accents in the United States, highlighting the rich linguistic diversity that exists within the country.

The episode is structured as a series of interviews conducted by filmmakers Andrew Kolker and Louis Alvarez with people from different parts of the country, each with their unique accents and dialects. From Boston to New Orleans, from Detroit to Texas, American Tongues visits various regions of the country and presents the stories of people who speak in distinct ways.

The film does an excellent job of presenting the linguistic characteristics of each region and how they developed over time. For example, viewers learn about the origins of the Boston accent, which can be traced back to early settlers and the local dialects of England. In the same segment, the filmmakers interview people who speak with a strong Boston accent and discuss the stereotypes associated with it.

Similarly, the film explores the Southern drawl, which is often associated with warmth and hospitality. The filmmakers interview people from Alabama, Georgia, and other southern states, who share their thoughts on why the accent is significant to them and how it has evolved over the years.

One of the most captivating segments of the film is an interview with an African American man who has lived in New Orleans his entire life. He explains how the city's unique culture and history have influenced the local dialect, which is known for its distinct sounds and rhythms. He also talks about the importance of language in the African American community and how it connects people to their heritage.

Throughout the film, viewers get a sense of the pride that people feel in their regional accents and dialects. Many interviewees express a sense of identity and belonging that comes from speaking in a particular way. At the same time, the film also touches on the challenges that people with non-standard accents or dialects face, particularly in professional settings.

One particularly powerful segment features an African American woman who works in a call center. She describes how her southern accent is often met with prejudice and how she has been advised to tone it down to sound more professional. Similarly, a man from Texas discusses the discrimination he has faced as a result of his accent, which he says is often associated with ignorance and backwardness.

The film does a good job of balancing the lighthearted and the serious, and viewers will find themselves both laughing at some of the more eccentric accents and dialects and reflecting on the deeper social issues that are explored. The film is also quite accessible, and viewers don't need a linguistics degree to appreciate it. Instead, it invites people to think about something that affects all of us every day of our lives—the way we speak—and celebrates the diversity that exists within the United States.

Overall, American Tongues is a fascinating and entertaining exploration of regional dialects and accents in the United States. It is a great example of how documentaries can make complex subjects accessible and engaging. Viewers who tune in will come away with a greater appreciation for the richness of American English and the diverse cultural landscape that it represents.