Echoes of Appalachia

In the heart of Appalachia, nestled in the hills of Marshall, North Carolina, lies a small community called Spillcorn. Growing up there, I was immersed in the vibrant rhythms of our Appalachian dialect. It was more than just a way of speaking; it was woven into our identity. Our words were lively and quick, often punctuated with short phrases ending in the letter “R.” This language danced in the air, rich with laughter and storytelling, a testament to our unique cultural heritage.

The history of this dialect is deeply rooted in the region’s settlement patterns. The Appalachian dialects, including those in Western North Carolina, originated from a blend of English, Scots-Irish, and other influences brought by early settlers. As these groups established their homes in the rugged mountains, their speech evolved, shaped by geography, isolation, and the necessity of communication within tight-knit communities. The result was a distinct dialect that reflected our shared experiences and history.

However, everything changed when my family moved to Asheville. My mother enrolled us in school, and what should have been an exciting new chapter quickly turned into a struggle. The school insisted we wouldn’t be allowed to start until Momma hired someone to teach us to speak “proper” English. I vividly remember the moment I realized our way of speaking—our identity—was deemed inferior.

As we began to learn this so-called “proper” English, I felt a profound sense of loss. Our dialect was intricately tied to our family stories and everyday interactions. With each lesson, it felt as though we were stripping away pieces of ourselves. The fast talking, the unique expressions that had brought us so much joy were replaced by a language that felt foreign. I missed the warmth of my community, the understanding we shared without the need for explanation.

In Asheville, it became clear that our Appalachian roots were not merely quaint; they were something to be hidden. I learned that dialects like mine were often viewed as unrefined or uneducated. The societal pressure to conform was suffocating. I longed for the connection that our language fostered—a connection to my family, my neighbors, and the land we called home.

Reflecting on this journey, I recognize the importance of embracing and celebrating our diverse ways of speaking. Each dialect carries the weight of history and tradition, a reflection of our unique experiences. The voices from Spillcorn are not just echoes of the past; they are alive and vibrant, telling the story of a community that deserves to be heard.

As I navigate life beyond Asheville, I carry my dialect with me—a treasure from my childhood. It serves as a reminder of where I come from and the cultural richness that shaped me. In sharing my story, I hope to honor the voices of my community, ensuring that every dialect has its rightful place in the conversation.

**The picture above is the little house I grew up in”

-Tim Carmichael