How Joseph Hall Discovered the Truth About Appalachian English and Rescued It from Obscurity

For centuries, the people of Appalachia have been the subject of ridicule and scorn. Their speech has been mocked as "hillbilly" or "backwoods," and they have been stereotyped as ignorant and uneducated.

But in the 1950s, a young linguist named Joseph Hall set out to prove that these stereotypes were wrong. Hall spent years traveling throughout Appalachia, recording the speech of its people. He discovered that Appalachian English is a rich and diverse language with its own unique grammar and vocabulary.

In the Nick of Time: How Joseph S. Hall discovered the truth about “Appalachian English” and rescued Smoky Mountain music, to boot

by Ted Olson

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Hall's research helped to dispel the myths and misconceptions about Appalachian English. He showed that it is not a corrupted form of standard English, but a legitimate dialect with its own unique history and development.

Hall's work had a profound impact on the way that Appalachian English is viewed today. It helped to pave the way for its recognition as a legitimate dialect, and it inspired a new generation of scholars to study the language and culture of Appalachia.

"Joe Hall was a pioneer in the field of linguistics," said Michael Montgomery, a professor of linguistics at the University of South Carolina. "His work on Appalachian English helped to change the way that we think about language and dialect."

Montgomery noted that Hall's research was particularly important because it came at a time when Appalachian English was under attack. In the 1950s and 1960s, there was a concerted effort to "correct" the speech of Appalachian children in schools.

"Hall's work helped to put a stop to that," Montgomery said. "He showed that Appalachian English is not a substandard dialect, but a legitimate language with its own rich history and culture."

"Appalachian English is not a corrupted form of standard English, but a legitimate dialect with its own unique history and development." - Joseph Hall

Hall's legacy continues to inspire scholars today. His work has helped to raise awareness of the importance of linguistic diversity, and it has paved the way for a new generation of research on Appalachian English and other non-standard dialects.

"Joe Hall was a true pioneer," Montgomery said. "His work has had a profound impact on the field of linguistics, and it will continue to inspire scholars for generations to come."