East TN delegation pushes to add Appalachian dialect to state Blue Book

NASHVILLE — East Tennessee lawmakers passed a resolution urging the Secretary of State to include a discussion of the history and significance of the Appalachian dialect in the Tennessee Blue Book, the state's official manual. The resolution, sponsored by Cocke County state Rep. Jeremy Faison, R-Cosby, passed a House vote last week with unanimous support. Local state Reps. Rebecca Alexander, R-Jonesborough; Tim Hicks, R-Gray; John Crawford, R-Kingsport; Renea Jones, R-Unicoi; and state Sen. Bobby Harshbarger, R-Kingsport, signed on as co-sponsors. "The Appalachian dialect is the oldest form of American English language," said Faison while introducing his bill last week. He was flanked on either side by the Northeast Tennessee delegation. Faison pointed out a few phrases to his colleagues that come from Appalachia: 'A watched pot never boils'; 'Make hay while the sun shines'; and 'Crooked as a dog's hind leg.' Faison invited Alexander to the podium, introducing her as "one of the greatest storytellers in all of the state." She shared a story about her run-ins with the dialect as an English teacher at Cocke County High School. The resolution describes the dialect as often "misrepresented" by society and disparaged by people who believe the speech is an incorrect version of English. "The dialect of the Appalachian Mountain region is a fully legitimate dialect and most deserving of the respect afforded other dialects of American English," reads the resolution. "Therefore, the State of Tennessee should work to ensure that this often-disparaged dialect is appropriately represented and honored." Faison's resolution argues that all versions of the English language have dialects, and that although the Appalachian dialect may, at first, seem grammatically incorrect, it is systematic and predictable. "Dialects vary by region and social group, and dialect diversity reflects the fact that languages change over time and that people who live in the same area or maintain the same social identity share language norms," reads the resolution. The resolution points out the dialect's Scotch-Irish, Native American and French roots. "The pronunciation of 'Appalachia' itself is a point of dissent and sometimes condescension, with those outside of the region often saying 'app-uh-lay-sha,' much to the frustration of those who call 'app-uh-latch-uh' their home," the resolution reads. Resolutions are statements of the General Assembly's intent. They do not carry the force of law once passed. Faison sponsored a similar resolution in 2019, though its passage did not lead to the Appalachian dialect's inclusion in the Tennessee Blue Book.