Language & Life on Ocracoke: The Living History of the Brogue by Jeffrey Reaser, Walt Wolfram, Candy Gaskill
Language & Life on Okracoke
Subtitle: The Living History of the Brogue
Author: Jeffrey Reaser, Walt Wolfram, Candy Gaskill
Genre: Nonfiction
Publish Date: May 2025
Read: February 2025
Synopsis: Okracoke, a small island accessible only by ferry on the coast of North Carolina, retains a unique brogue that fascinates linguists. When researching from NC State began exploring the island's history and dialect, they became enchanted by the culture of this little coastal community.
Why does this book beguile? Right out of the gate, I'll admit that Language and Life on Okracoke is a super niche book. If you’re reading this book, you’re likely a linguistic nerd or a fan of the Outer Banks of North Carolina (no, not the show - don’t even get me started on that garbage representation of my community). Luckily, I’m in the center of that Venn diagram. This is an interesting book detailing the history and present-day experience of residents of Okracoke Island. There are fascinating tidbits throughout and I learned a lot - about the brogue of Okracoke and my own speech habits I learned growing up on the Outer Banks.
Rating: 3.5/4
If you’re interested in this, read*: Wordslut by Amanda Montell
