The Transformation of American Speech Over the Past Decades

Over the past several decades, the way Americans speak has undergone significant changes. This transformation is evident in various aspects, including the evolution of newscaster speech patterns from the mid-20th century to today. This article will explore these changes and their underlying causes.

Standard American English of the Mid-20th Century

During much of the 20th century, newscasters and celebrities spoke a mild version of Mid Atlantic or Midland Central Midwest American English. This dialect, often referred to as Standard American English, was characterized by its broad appeal and its attempt to reach the largest possible audience. Broadcasters like Edward R. Murrow and well-known celebrities of the era all spoke in a manner that was perceived to be clear, standard, and widely understandable.

Fragmentation of Media and the Rise of Urban Professional Dialects

By the late 20th century, traditional corporate media began to fragment as the internet era emerged. In response, media organizations shifted their focus to cater to a more upscale and geographically transient audience. This shift is reflected in the changes to newscaster speech patterns, which moved towards a cleaner, more standardized version of Western US English.

The newscaster English of the late 20th century sought to emulate the speech of urban professionals on the West Coast. This style was considered the cleanest or most proper, albeit still not fully so, version of Western US English. It was heavily influenced by older Midland Upper South and sometimes Upper Midwest dialects, which were more traditional and rooted.

Impact on Journalism and Media Reporting

Paralleling this change in speech patterns was a shift away from detailed reporting on working-class specific issues in mainstream media. The rise of new immigration and the rapid growth of "global" cities with significant US and international wealth contributed to this shift. At the same time, there was a massive corporate consolidation of traditional media, with headquarters increasingly concentrated in major US cities.

Shift in Speaking Patterns Among the Younger Generation

These changes had a profound impact on the speech of the younger generation, especially those living in or near medium to large-size urban areas. By the 1990s, younger adults, even among parts of the working class, experienced a decline in regional dialects, reversing the trend of increasing dialect regionalism evident since the 1920s. Today, a continuum of regional dialect strength exists, with some younger Americans strongly maintaining a regional accent while others have virtually none.

Modern Trends and the Resurgence of Regional Dialects

While regional dialects are not dead in the United States, their prevalence and intensity among younger adults have declined. These trends vary based on social class, educational attainment, geography, political beliefs, religious preference, and lifestyle. The lack or strength of a regional dialect is largely influenced by one's level of geographic rootedness and proximity to people with stronger accents.

Modern newscaster English, while still influential, is not the spoken language of all urban professionals. It is more of a stylized form of American English, learned in journalism schools. It conveys a sense of detachment, objectivity, and professionalism, but it now increasingly signifies elitism and being out of touch. Many news organizations have started to hire journalists and encourage reporters to speak more naturally, embracing regional dialects.

Conclusion and Future Outlook

Increased acceptance of regional dialects and a decreased political significance of these dialects may lead to a mending of cultural divides. Politically, shared or similar dialects of specific, polarizing individuals have reduced the stigma of these dialects and may help bridge some of our growing political divides. While political divides remain strong, the intertwining of social and political divides offers signs that cultural divides may eventually be reshuffled.

The transformation of American speech is a complex phenomenon influenced by media consolidation, societal fragmentation, and changes in how speech is perceived. Understanding these changes can provide valuable insights into the evolution of American culture and communication.