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In the Montreal Gazette last week there was a week-long series on how unique the Montreal accent is. It has brought up so many conversations between my friends on the “right way” to say things. Most Americans think all Canadians have that northern, Minnesotan accent where all questions end with, "eh?" According to Canadians the “eh” is a typical Toronto thing. I guess it’s like “y’all” in the south to us Americans!
I think Montreal has it’s own special accent though. There are lots of reasons for this but mostly it’s because everyone is bi-lingual, if not tri-lingual. Every European culture within Montreal has their own accent. As you all know, the Italian Canadians have a special spot in my heart. Since I’ve basically thrown myself into their culture, I’m very aware of all their quirky and cute ways of saying things.
Most Italian Canadians my age are second generation. Their parents came from Italy so they spoke Italian and English at home and the kids learned French & English in school. Their accent is a beautiful mix of all three languages. When they get talking really fast they swing effortlessly between all 3 three languages and it's fascinating to hear!
I’m full of examples of how I tease Cynthia (my favorite Italian Canadian):
Italian Canadian translation:
“We’re receiving this weekend” = “We’re having guests over…and serving a feast!”
“I don’t want” = “I don’t want any more.”
“All-dressed pizza" = "Supreme pizza”
“Me, I…” (used at the beginning of a sentence to add emphasis, as in “Me, I totally agree with that.")
Spoken mid conversation (& often), "You understand?"....not to mean, do you understand but actually, "Are you following me?"
Cynthia vs. Me
Progress: Pro-gress vs. Prah-gress
About: A-boat vs. Ab-owt
Sara: Saw-ra vs. S air-a
Ham: H awm vs. H ah m
The letter H: Haytch vs. Aytch
I lived in North Carolina for 4 years & Texas for 5 years and never picked up on the southern drawl. It remains to be seen if the Italian Canadians will influence my accent! Me, I don’t think that could ever happen! You understand? :) !!
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