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The Outer Banks of North Carolina is a popular vacation destination known for its stunning beaches, fishing, and water sports. However, what many people don’t realize is that the Outer Banks has a rich history of British influence, including the use of unique British dialects and languages.
Created by- Josh Pate, Jonas Pate, Shannon Burke
Country of origin- United States
Original language- English
Producers- Aaron Miller, Sunny Hodge, Carole Sanders, Peterman
Production companies- Rock Fish, Red Canoe, Productions
Audio format- Dolby Digital
Original release- April 15, 2020 –present
One of the most interesting things about the Outer Banks is its isolated location. The chain of barrier islands is separated from the mainland by several bodies of water, including the Pamlico Sound and Albemarle Sound. This isolation has allowed for the development and preservation of unique dialects and languages, including British English and even a form of Scots.
The Outer Banks dialect of English is often referred to as “Hoi Toider,” which means “High Tider” in the local accent. It is a unique mix of British, Irish, and Scottish dialects that has been shaped by the area’s isolation and maritime history. The Hoi Toider dialect is characterized by its distinctive pronunciation and vocabulary, which includes many words borrowed from nautical terminology.
One example of Hoi Toider vocabulary is the use of the word “boat” to refer to any vessel, regardless of size or type. This is a reflection of the area’s reliance on boats for transportation and commerce. Other unique Hoi Toider words include “banker” (a type of fishing boat), “dinky” (a small boat used for ferrying passengers), and “seine” (a type of fishing net).
In addition to the Hoi Toider dialect, the Outer Banks is also home to a unique form of Scots known as “Scots Gaelic.” This language is a Celtic language that originated in Scotland and was brought to the Outer Banks by Scottish immigrants. It is estimated that between 5-10% of the Outer Banks population has some Scottish ancestry, and many of these individuals still speak Scots Gaelic today.
Scots Gaelic is characterized by its distinct pronunciation and vocabulary. It is a language that is heavily influenced by the natural environment and the cultural traditions of the Scottish people. For example, many Scots Gaelic words are related to fishing and maritime life, reflecting the importance of these activities in Scottish culture.
Despite the fact that Scots Gaelic is still spoken by some individuals on the Outer Banks, the language is considered to be endangered. Many younger generations of Outer Banks residents are not fluent in Scots Gaelic, and there are few opportunities to learn the language outside of the home. As a result, efforts are being made to preserve and promote the use of Scots Gaelic on the Outer Banks.
One of the ways in which the Outer Banks is preserving its unique dialects and languages is through the use of local museums and historical societies. These organizations work to collect and preserve artifacts and documents related to the area’s history, including its linguistic heritage. Many of these museums offer exhibits and programs that focus on the language and culture of the Outer Banks, providing visitors with a glimpse into the area’s rich linguistic history.
Another way in which the Outer Banks is preserving its unique dialects and languages is through the use of education and outreach programs. Local schools and community organizations often offer classes and workshops on Hoi Toider and Scots Gaelic, providing residents and visitors with the opportunity to learn more about these fascinating languages.
In addition to the preservation efforts, the Outer Banks is also a popular destination for linguists and language enthusiasts. Researchers and scholars from around the world come to the area to study the unique dialects and languages of the region, providing valuable insights into the development and evolution of language.
