You know the accent. You’ve heard it exaggerated in The Californians on SNL, slurred by Sean Penn in Fast Times at Ridgemont High, and sung by Moon Unit Zappa in the most famous monologue in the San Fernando Valley. The California accent has been parodied in the media for decades. California is the largest state by population, making it one of the most diverse in the nation. So, is there truly an accent that unites all its residents? Today on AirTalk, we are talking about the California accent. Has living in California impacted your accent? Give us a call 866-893-5722 or email [email protected]. Joining us to discuss is Norma Mendoza-Denton, professor of anthropology at UCLA and creator of the Los Angeles Speaks project. 

 

Professor Mendoza-Denton is seeking participants who grew up & currently live in all parts of Los Angeles County to help with the study. Participants must be over 18 and speak English as a dominant language (began learning before age 8 or at 3rd grade). Researchers will come to your neighborhood and interview you for 60-90 minutes about living in LA. You may be asked to complete a brief mapping task. To ask questions or volunteer to participate please call the dedicated number for this project ‪(805) 826-3568 or email [email protected]. Learn more about the project here. 

 

Guest: