Early Influences:
* Early English Settlers: The foundation of American English lies in the dialects of English brought over by settlers from various regions of England.
* Native American Languages: American English borrowed some words and phrases from Native American languages, particularly in areas like geography and flora and fauna.
* African Languages: The arrival of African slaves brought in a significant influence on vocabulary, pronunciation, and rhythm, particularly in the South.
The 18th Century:
* Noah Webster: While not the "father," Webster played a crucial role in standardizing American spelling and grammar with his influential dictionary, "An American Dictionary of the English Language." This helped solidify a distinct American identity within the English language.
The 19th and 20th Centuries:
* Immigration: Waves of immigration from various countries introduced new words, phrases, and accents, further enriching the language.
* Technological Advancements: The invention of the telegraph, telephone, and radio spread language across the country, contributing to a sense of national unity and linguistic evolution.
* Mass Media and Popular Culture: Movies, television, and music have played a significant role in shaping American English, including slang, jargon, and new meanings for existing words.
Therefore, American English is a product of a complex interplay of historical events, cultural influences, and linguistic evolution. It is a living language constantly evolving and adapting. While we can recognize key figures and events, assigning a single "father" is too simplistic a notion.