Why Do You Talk So Funny?

The kids asked me that the other day. They flat out asked the question to my face while we were in the car running errands. My husband kind of snickered and - in his best "twang" - said, "Because she does."

I guess I do have a southern accent. I moved to Virginia nearly 23 years ago and I haven't left the state since (except for vacays, but you know what I mean). I was a teeny wahine uprooted from the warmth of Hawaii and transplanted, south of the Mason-Dixon I might add, into the wacky weather madness that is Virginia when I was 8 years old...and it was all made possible by the Navy. But, I can't fault my Daddy for it. He's from the South, too...born & raised in Mississippi.

Maybe it was genetics that had a role in my "twang" formation. Maybe it's because I watch too much Paula Deen on television. Maybe it's because I say "y'all" and "fixin' to" and "nu-uh" like it's speaking proper English. Maybe it's because I know when I'm at my Mamaw's house that dinner is lunch and supper is dinner. Maybe it's because I love grits. Maybe it's because "Shag" is one of my favorite movies. Maybe it's because I know that true cornbread should not be sweet nor should it have the consistency of yellow cake. Maybe it's because I don't turn my nose to anything fried or pickled (well, there is an exception to this rule...). Maybe it's because I can stand the humidity and I've learned to deal with the 'skeeters. Maybe it's because I know it ain't really sweet tea unless it's SOUTHERN sweet tea. Maybe it's because big, jacked up trucks don't really scare me. Maybe it's because I've stood barefooted in my own front yard with a baby on my hip. Maybe it's because I watch NASCAR. Maybe it's because that's just me.

Whatever the reason...it's me. That's all. Plain & simple. I don't notice it as much as others do...mostly my family who haven't seen me in a while. I wouldn't say my accent is thick, but maybe it's just a bit surprising to see me, this half-Chinese girl, speak with a lil' southern drawl.

What do y'all think?