* Accents vary within the state: Missouri has diverse regional accents. The "Missouri twang" is most prevalent in the southern and rural areas, while accents in urban areas like St. Louis and Kansas City tend to be more mainstream.
* Individual variation: Like any state, Missouri has people with varying levels of accent, from strong to very subtle.
* Influences from neighboring states: Missouri's accent can be influenced by its neighbors, including Illinois, Arkansas, and Kansas.
Here are some common features of a Missouri accent:
* "Flat" vowels: Some vowels, like "a" in "cat" and "o" in "cot," might sound more flat or drawn-out.
* "Y" sound at the end of words: Words like "happy" and "family" might have a noticeable "y" sound added.
* "Drawl" or "stretching out" of vowels: Some people from Missouri might pronounce words with a slightly longer or drawn-out sound.
* "Midwestern" features: Missouri accents share similarities with accents from other Midwestern states, like Iowa and Nebraska.
If you're interested in hearing more about Missouri accents, you can find examples online or listen to local news broadcasts from the state.