Y’all – A Really Good Word to Know

Y’all,

Recently a friend on the east coast said to me, You’re starting to talk Southern, you’re getting an accent! I guess I’ve been in Oklahoma long enough for my ear to begin picking up the more relaxed southern syntax here. The Oklahoma accent is less drawling than the Texas one and not as extended perhaps as in Arkansas, Mississippi, Alabama and Georgia. But it’s there.

Each of the southern states has it’s own inflection. I don’t mind a bit of Oklahoma southern style creeping into my speech. There’s a softness in it that’s not a bad thing.

There’s even one Southern-ism that I’m very glad to have an authentic opportunity to adopt. It’s the word ya’ll. I know it’s sometimes made fun of, but I’ve always thought it a very handy word and since I’ve been here I’ve come to appreciate it even more.

It’s very inclusive. I like inclusive words and Y’all is one of the best. It solves some gender pronoun dilemmas as well. For instance, in the northern and western states when addressing a group of mixed gender we often resort to saying you guys somewhat awkwardly. Y’all takes care of that. It’s a simplifier. Saying you all when you want to include every one in a group is just clunky. It’s not half as friendly and inclusive as using y’all.

I’ve learned something else about it too. It carries respect. Yes, respect. It’s an acknowledgement of those included. A tip of the hat. And there’s one more thing I’ve learned about using y’all: you can use it even when addressing only one person – it’s not necessarily plural. For instance, you might say Y’aaaaaall – in an even softer, more drawn out way – when a person has done you a kindness. In this context it not only carries appreciation but expresses a feeling of humility in the face of that kindness.

As if that’s not good enough, someone explained to me that ya’ll also implies something more: you and your ancestors. Isn’t that wonderful? A form of speech that includes one’s ancestors by implication. Honoring the whole clan. Beautiful. I think that is a terrific adaptation of language.

I’m glad to be here, learning my Y’alls. And even if I were to unexpectedly leave here, I’d be keeping the word y’all. I think I’m a better person for it.

I love language that’s inclusive and I love y’all.

🤠 Mayet