Right words for the right times

barbilarry · Jun 12, 2009

Hello
My question is about the words that are spoken in 1776, in America, by proper English Characters. The have been in this country for eleven years. They live in Kentuckey. The Uncle and Papa of my herorine having explored with Daniel Boone, and Transalvainia Land Company. I have written their words both formally and with contractions sprinkled through their conversation. I like their conversation in formal English. I have tried to find out which would be the correct speech. My problem is that I have had both ways approved.
It is an historical novel. One lady ask me if it was a true historical or the back drop was just wall paper for the romance.
I would say it is as accurate as I could get it, since I researched it for two years. It takes place in three countries. It starts in Kentucky, with backstory added here and there in Englan eleven years ago. It moves to Charleston, then to the English countryside and Paris. Then back to America. So? Would my herorine from a proper English family still speak proper English. Would her Aunt and Uncle? Would they use any contractions or slang of the period, in conversation.
Thanks for any insight
Jane

Brindle Chase · Jun 12, 2009

That's really a question you need to answer. how they speak, would be how and where they were educated, not necessarily where they lived. What I mean is, that proper English is spoken by few in the time period your speaking of. Only wealthy or otherwise connected persons would be well educated in the language. Not as a rule, mind you, but in general that would be the case. So if your characters are well to do, it is possible they were taught proper English.

Anywho... ultimately though, this is an author's decision. My only advice is not worry so much about explaining how the characters came to speak as they do and concentrate more on making how the character speaks as believable.

And on a side note, not to make fun, but it would help if you used a spell checker before posting. Not looking for perfection, but ... *sheepish grin*

girlyswot · Jun 12, 2009

Try looking in the Historical genre forum. There are lots of resources linked there for different eras and also lots of discussions about historical word choices and speech patterns.

barbilarry · Jun 13, 2009

Brindle chase and girlyswot

Thank you both for your help. My Characters are from aristcratic background. They came to America after a falling-out with Hannah's grandfather. I will use the formal English. Hannah was only seven when they arrived in America. She was brought up by her father, aunt and uncle, who were all English aristocrats. She would speak as they speak.
jane

p.s. I like to throw in mispelled words. IT KEEPS EVERYONE ON THEIR RESPECTIVE TOES1 NOT1 LOL

Cathy C · Jun 13, 2009

I highly recommend a new thriller called "The Whiskey Rebels" set in that time, but in Pennsylvania. It's really well researched by the author (I interviewed him for an article) and should give you some useful info. Fabulous novel to boot!

barbilarry · Jun 13, 2009

Thank you Cathy C

I will get it. I have read alot about that era and learn something new every time I do. It was facinating. The people were so brave and gave us so much. I just finished a bio on ben Franklin. He lived an awesome life. I read Danial Boones bio to get a feel for the american launguage of the time. It is a little difficult to write for my characters. Anyway I will read the book you recommended. Thanks again.

Jane

Right words for the right times

barbilarry

I just wanna write

Brindle Chase

Dancing on the edge

girlyswot

barbilarry

I just wanna write

Cathy C

Ooo! Shiny new cover!

barbilarry

I just wanna write