Overview

The dialect of Indiana, while rooted in the Midwest, is influenced by the north and the south divide.  Northern Indiana, especially around Chicago, is more urban and influenced by Chicago while southern Indiana is much more rhotic (strongly prounounced r sounds and with a bit of a southern twang).  The following is a description of Abraham Lincoln’s affectation of a southern Indiana dialect:

A southern Indiana dialect affected much of Lincoln’s speech all his life. Like his neighbors, young Lincoln said “howdy” to visitors. He “sot” down and “stayed a spell.” He came “outen” a cabin and “yearned” his wages and “made a heap.” He “cum” from “whar” he had been. He was “hornswoggled” into doing something against his better judgment. He “keered” for his friends and “heered” the latest news. He pointed to “yonder” stream and addressed the head of a committee as “Mr. Cheermun.”

Vocal Placement

Tense the soft palate slightly for a more nasal sound and a bit of a twang.   Words run together with an upward inflection at the ends of phrases.