Calling All Mobilians
In less than two months, I’m becoming a Southerner. After 18 years in New Jersey and 4 in Washington, D.C., I’m moving to Mobile, AL. Now, I’ve never really been down South before. My grandparents used to rent winter homes in secluded developed communities in South Carolina or Florida, and I visited them there, but day trips to Savannah or Charleston don’t really count as truly visiting the South.
I’ve known about the move for several months now. I’m doing a year-long service program called the Jesuit Volunteer Corps, and I haven’t received much new information from them in a while. Right now, I’m feeling overwhelmingly curious about the city, its people, and its environment. I’ve heard a lot of things about life in the South, not all of them I really believe (will they really not understand my Standard American accent? Will my walking pace be a sprint to them? Do I have to start watching NASCAR to fit in?) So, any of you from Alabama, or any other southern states? The Gulf Coast? What do you think? Do you have any advice?
Why, thank you, Syd! *blush* And now I’m looking forward to checking out southernplate.com — hadn’t heard of it!
And yes, you’re right — here in the South, we have taken care of that awful emptiness and oversight in English — we have the much-needed plural for “you.” :-)
Our younger nephew visited us a couple of weeks ago, and he’s now working in Yankee Land ;-) (those New England states, doncha know! ;-) ) and he talked about the fascination some of his acquaintances have with “y’all” and its various uses. :-)
Welcome–in advance–to our corner of the US. Missie did a GREAT job. I would add just a couple more things. Learn to say “y’all”. Stock up on sunscreen. And refer to southernplate.com. Christie’s blogs, while teaching you how to cook “Southern” will also give you a sense of how true Southern people think and live. She’s wonderful. Again, welcome!
Welcome to the South! :-)
In smaller cities, yes, the pace is slower — both walking ;-) and the pace at which things get done, so be ready to be patient.
There will be some words wherein your accent will present a challenge to Southerners, but I imagine you will feel more challenged by rhythm and accent of Southerners — but be patient and you will realize that it has a beauty and charm all its own.
Terry is right — nearly everyone will ask you where your “people” come from. :-)
Same as everywhere, it’s generally best to shy away from political, religious, or otherwise controversial topics.
We don’t all watch NASCAR. :-) Local and state football is generally taken quite seriously, though, and to a lesser extent, so is is basketball. (‘though in Kentucky, basketball is taken pretty seriously, too.) If you’re not a sports fan (I’m not), just make sure you know who the local teams are so you’ll know whether to express happiness or sympathy when they win or lose.
Southerners tend to be friendly, so be prepared to be smiled at, waved at, and told “Howdy!” — and be ready to smile, nod, and wave back!
And be ready to enjoy a wide variety of food and stories! Southerners are very, very passionate about food and we all love to hear a good story (hopefully at least loosely based on true events ;-) *LOL*) and tell a story — often humorous, sometimes serious.
Southerners are VERY passionate about food. Some of it isn’t healthy, but you can generally find folks who have healthier takes on traditional foods — and if not, I bet you’ll enjoy learning to make your own healthier versions of some of the less healthy fare.
Also, the Civil War (often referred to as “the War of Northern Aggression”) is still a heavy presence in the South. Don’t be surprised if you get some (most likely good-natured) ribbing about being a “carpet bagger.” ;-)
Southerners are fond of using “sir” and “ma’am.” Children are taught to use them as a term of respect, and this habit often continues into adulthood.
In many parts of the South, the mid-day meal is often referred to as “dinner” and the evening meal is referred to as “supper.”
Be prepared for the misery of heat + humidity and all that goes with it, including mosquitoes.
Southerners tend to sweeten their iced tea; if you like yours unsweetened (I do), you need to specify that you want UNSWEET tea when you request it in restaurants. If at someone’s home, as if the tea is sweet or unsweet if sugar is an issue for you.
Good luck! :-)
Well be ready to recite your family tree! Ha! We love hearing where you come from.