She sounds just like my sister-in-law from North Dakota. As a matter of fact, when I first heard Palin speak I thought it was her.
Sarah Palin was born in Idaho, and learned to talk around her folks and three sisters.... So Idaho would make sense
I’ve lived in NoDak and Washington State. It is a combination of that Nordic vowel swallowing disease and some localisms of both places. Then, taken to an extreme up in Alaska. My impression.
Having been born in Alaska, very near Wasilla, with numerous relatives still living there, I can tell you that there are many Minnisotans dwelling in those parts. The accent is certainly a blend of Northern Tier speak. Personally, I find it quite endearing and very American!
As opposed to east coast aberative English.
She does sound very “Dakotan”. I think that’s prolly ‘cause of her husband’s influence, though. I have an Aunt, Unkle, and several Cousins that have lived in Alaska (from So. Cal.) since 1965.
They sound like a Valley Walrus to me. :O)
BTW, am I the only one who thinks Slate is whoring for click-dollars with this dumb, yaaaawn, post?