Indeed, I once had somebody (properly) identify me as having been born and raised in northern Virginia precisely *because* I had no particular accent! --Eric > Bill, > > Perhaps the concept of the "melting pot" applies to the > mid-Atlantic and midwest and accounts for the lack of > regional uniqueness. > Yet, in that lack of uniqueness and character, it seems that > this is unique > and characteristic by itself. I never really thought of myself as a > Northerner until I moved to the Richmond area in the > mid-sixties. I just > thought of myself as an American and pretty much believed that I was > similar to all other Americans. My eyes were opened! <grin> > > Anne To subscribe, change options, or unsubscribe, please see the instructions at http://listlva.lib.va.us/archives/va-hist.html