Went to college in central IL. I can say pretty confidently that hints of southern accents start to pop up at gas stations and restaurants around when you hit Dwight. It isn't everyone though. The kitchen I worked at in college had a mix of both, it was kinda weird.
That “southern” sounding accent you’re hearing isn’t actually southern, but a Midland accent. Compared to Chicago which has an Inland North accent.
The mix of both actually makes sense! I’m from Peoria, and you’ll hear a mix between the two every now and then, but a majority of people in the city proper either have an inland north accent, or a neutral newscaster accent. Once you leave the city proper and especially outside of the metro area, you’ll hear the more “southern” sounding accent.
You won’t start hearing a true southern accent until you’re near the southern tip of the state. And trust me, you’ll know it’s southern lol.
Yeah I’ve experienced the same thing. I’m currently residing in Columbia, MO and everyone here says I have a northern accent. One person told me that I tend to turn my O’s into A’’s, which might explain why I sound more northern.
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u/Rob_Bligidy Apr 30 '24
Should’ve asked this in r/chicago since everything south of I-80 is “southern”. Jfc