Extracted and updated from the original Encyclopedia of southern culture, volume 5 of The new encyclopedia of southern culture is divided into two sections. The first focuses on languages found in the region, including not only English varieties but also European varieties, indigenous languages, and creoles. Each entry charts the flow of a language or variety, including its roots, its movement in the region, and its present-day role. This section champions the notion that the American South is a large, poorly defined region, and as a result, there is not just one southern language. In fact, the South is the most linguistically diverse region in the country. While their vocabulary, grammar, and pronunciation may vary, it is also important to note that the South is the home of some of the most recognizable varieties of American English. Although southern varieties are prominently found in the United States, they also can be found in other parts of the world as a result of emigration.

The second section tackles other topics related to language in the region. Topics include the representation of southern speech in the media and in literature, sometimes in an attempt to create linguistic realism. While southerners’ language is often mocked, it is nonetheless associated with conversation, rhetoric, storytelling, and superior linguistic ability. The importance of politeness is also paramount. Naming conventions for people and places are examined; they tend to have their roots in African traditions, indigenous languages, biblical names, classical traditions, military heroes, and of course, familial names. Southern preaching style is identifiable by its methodology and language, even though it may vary among the denominations and the races. Exceptional linguists in this field are also given attention, and publications that document the varieties and trends found in the region are explored. It is exceedingly appropriate that the last entry in this survey of southern language looks at the invariably identifiable y’all.