The R dropping accent, formally known as non-rhoticity, refers to a characteristic in certain English dialects where the "r" sound is not pronounced after vowels, especially at the end of words or before a consonant. Instead, the 'r' sound is often dropped entirely, or it transforms into a neutral, indistinct vowel sound, known as a schwa.
Understanding Non-Rhoticity
In non-rhotic accents, the "r" sound (or rhotic 'r') is typically only pronounced when it comes before a vowel sound (e.g., in "run" or "carrot"). When an 'r' follows a vowel, as in "car" or "butter," it is either omitted or vocalized.
For example:
- The word "car" might sound more like "cah."
- The word "butter" might sound like "butt-uh."
- "Park" might sound like "pahk."
This phenomenon distinguishes non-rhotic accents from rhotic accents, where the 'r' sound is pronounced in all positions.
Geographic Distribution in American English
While many American English accents are rhotic, a significant number of them are non-rhotic. These "R dropping" accents are prominently heard in specific regions across the United States, often reflecting historical linguistic ties and colonial influences.
| Region/City | Notable Characteristics |
|---|---|
| Coastal New England | Includes areas like Boston, known for its distinct "Boston accent." |
| Boston | A classic example, where "park the car" becomes "pahk the cah." |
| New York City (NYC) | Many urban New York accents are famously non-rhotic. |
| Coastal South | Found in various dialects along the Southern coast of the US. |
| New Orleans | Particularly the "Yat accent" of New Orleans exhibits strong non-rhotic features. |
These accents are part of the rich tapestry of American English dialects, each with its unique sound system and historical development. The presence or absence of the post-vocalic 'r' is one of the most noticeable features distinguishing these speech patterns.
For more information on the broader concept of rhoticity in English, you can refer to linguistic resources on accent variations.
