Others think we sound debased and ignorant. In fact, southern mountain dialect is a sort of Scottish flavored Elizabethan English, directly related to migration patterns. Some visible elements of our Appalachian culture still survive, although much has been lost with changing times, urban influences, or shame and embarrassment. What is sad is that no cultural characteristics unique to the people have taken their place. Days People and Culture Appalachia Today Public WebMarket Wares. . .
Appalachian culture is a real and functioning culture.
Our heritage is revealed through our arts and crafts, traditional foods, our common language, and our customs and traditions. Traditional foods include fried chicken and potatoes, beans, and greens. Cornbread and biscuits are standard fare. Some say our speech patterns go back to how people talked in the British Isles. Others think we sound debased and ignorant.