While New York is famous for its pizza, bagels, and skyscrapers, it is also notable for its accent. Of course there is no “standard” accent that defines such a diverse city, but there is a distinctive linguistic element that you hear in those old mob movies or Newsies (yeah, I know that is a weak example). It enchants and intrigues both visitors and native residents alike and has come to signify so many aspects of our city. It represents the classic underdog struggle that is bound to be present in any newcomer’s journey. It stands for a tough, no-nonsense attitude needed to claw to the top of the food chain. It also evokes nostalgia of a New York that was gritty, dirty yet, also charismatic in its own way. If These Knishes Could Talk breaks down the iconic New York accent to unearth what it truly means to be a New Yorker. This entertaining hour-long documentary features interviews, anecdotes, and insight from Big Apple residents from all walks of life.
It is not difficult to pick out a New Yorker in a crowd of people. You will hear him. Not only will he be loud, like obnoxiously loud, he will talk a certain way. His speech will have a twang to it, as distinguishable badge of honor that he is an old-timer. Every other word will be a profanity probably the f-bomb and he will be talking at a bazillion words per minute. Oh and did I mention you will never be able to fit a word in?
While New York is famous for its pizza, bagels, and skyscrapers, it is also notable for its accent. Of course there is no “standard” accent that defines such a diverse city, but there is a distinctive linguistic element that you hear in those old mob movies or Newsies (yeah, I know that is a weak example). It enchants and intrigues both visitors and native residents alike and has come to signify so many aspects of our city. It represents the classic underdog struggle that is bound to be present in any newcomer’s journey. It stands for a tough, no-nonsense attitude needed to claw to the top of the food chain. It also evokes nostalgia of a New York that was gritty, dirty yet, also charismatic in its own way. If These Knishes Could Talk breaks down the iconic New York accent to unearth what it truly means to be a New Yorker. This entertaining hour-long documentary features interviews, anecdotes, and insight from Big Apple residents from all walks of life.
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