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R Sounds in Southern English

Some older Southern dialects show r-dropping (non-rhoticity), especially in coastal areas (Charleston, Savannah). However, most modern Southern English is fully rhotic.

Historical r-dropping:

  • "car" → "cah" /kɑː/
  • "four" → "foah" /fɔː/

Modern Southern: Most speakers keep their R sounds, similar to GenAm.

Listen Across Accents

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car
four

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R Sounds in Southern English — Master the Southern accent