As a native Californian, can you tell a lifelong Californian when out of state? (San Joaquin: living in, military)

[Trimac20]

In terms of the way they speak; phrases, accent, the way they behave, do things...It seems Californian identity is limited to mostly living in the same state. Is there a real identity iyo?

[Bluesmama]

I grew up in California until I was 23. I've lived in Oregon now for 30. And yet, both in California AND here, people continue to ask me if I'm "from New York". There is something in my speech that they think they're picking up as an eastern accent, but what they're detecting is actually a European-American accent that I picked up from my parents. And, so, depending on where you live in California, the accents could be a little varying.

Even in New York I came across more than a few people who assumed I was one of them. Very weird. Weird, but I rather like it.

[Kibbiekat]

No. I grew up in the San Joaquin Valley and have been asked in the past if I'm from Oklahoma. I live in CO now, and once never once looked at someone, and thought they must be from CA.

[Charles]

Originally Posted by rkb0305

No. I grew up in the San Joaquin Valley and have been asked in the past if I'm from Oklahoma. I live in CO now, and once never once looked at someone, and thought they must be from CA.

It seems like Colorado has more ex-Californians than California has native Californians.

[Curmudgeon]

Originally Posted by Charles

It seems like Colorado has more ex-Californians than California has native Californians.

You're probably right!

I'm a native Californian (accident of birth - military father) but my parents were from New York and between my upbringing and my own military service I have have lived in seven other states and three foreign countries.

I defy anyone to pinpoint my "accent."

[Adriatica]

No--there is so much variety amongst Californians in terms of speech that it's not really possible. Even in my own family, full of native Californians, there's a big range of speech habits--from people saying "warsh" for "wash" to people who insert "like" as every third word. Lots of variety here!

[EscapeCalifornia]

Originally Posted by Bluesbabe

but what they're detecting is actually a European-American accent that I picked up from my parents.

What country are they from?

[Curmudgeon]

Originally Posted by EscapeCalifornia

What country are they from?

Since we're talkin' Kahleefornia, are you sure the proper question isn't, "What planet are they from?"

[Fontucky]

I can tell a native or near-native long time Southern Californian. Don't ask me what I'm hearing, the nuances are subtle, but I've been here all my 53 years, so something's cluing me.

And I'm not referring to the extreme affectations of local speech, such as Spicoli's surfer-stonerspeak, or even Valspeak.

[MtnSurfer]

This is a wierd and interesting question. But as a native I can tell mostly if ppl are not from CA originally. This is not only in their speech but mannerisms. I have always thought Californians have *no accent* and tend to be very direct - sometimes to a fault. But if you ask a person form England, Australia or Texas the same question I wonder if they would feel the same way regarding *their* accent?

I mean the correct pronunciation of english language was perfected in California wasn't it? LOL... C'mon, Like no way Dude! Thats just radical the way California like took the English language and totally corrected its usage. To bad the other states and countries *still* don't get it.

Derek