Mormon Michigander

I take great pride in being from Michigan. When I went away to Ricks College, it set me apart from the majority of students who were Utahns or Idahoans. They could hear the drawn out vowel sounds that establish a Michigan accent and within seconds of meeting me would ask, “Where are you from?” The tone of their voice, evidence that they had never heard an accent quite like it. At first, it shocked me. I had no clue I sounded so different. But, then I embraced it. It was a great icebreaker and it made me feel interesting. I was subjected to what I like to call, “say this syndrome.” One friend constantly asked me to say “tap class,” and would break into uncontrollable laughter every time. I didn’t mind, though, secretly I liked the attention. By the time I married and moved to Moscow, Idaho, people stopped asking where I was from. The western influence caught me and slowly stole away my precious accent. Now I recognize the Michigan accent in my family, and they in turn tease me for my lazy vowel sounds that establish a western accent. The Michigan accent still breaks through sometimes. I still say apricot with a short “a” sound and I actually feel a little snooty saying it with a long “a” sound. It also sneaks back when I talk to my family on the phone or after we’ve visited them, but it’s just not the same. I miss it. I still love telling people I’m from Michigan, but without the returning question from my college days, that too is just not the same.