Most natives of Appalachia are aware that their speech differs from that of others but may not understand exactly why and how. Paul Reed will explain the variations and contributing factors and how their rich linguistic system is critical to local and regional identity, forming a central part of what it means to be an East Tennessean. A native of Hancock County, Tennessee, Paul Reed is a Ph.D. candidate at the University of South Carolina, with a research focus on the variation and change in the English varieties of the American South, particularly the Appalachian region, and especially, East Tennessee.

The program is sponsored by 21st Mortgage and is free and open to the public. The lecture will begin at noon on Wednesday, September 10 at the East Tennessee History Center, 601 S. Gay Street, Knoxville. Guests are invited to bring a “Brown Bag” lunch and enjoy the lecture. Soft drinks will be available. For more information on the lecture, exhibitions, or museum hours, call 865-215-8824 or visit the website at www.EastTNHistory.org.