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Committee approves resolution urging recognition of Appalachian dialect in Tennessee Blue Book

State and Local Government Committee (Tennessee) · April 14, 2026

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Summary

Senator Harshbarger presented HJR 803 asking the secretary of state to include the history and significance of Appalachian dialect in the Tennessee Blue Book; the committee discussed regional examples of dialect words and unanimously moved the resolution to the calendar.

Senator Harshbarger told the State and Local Government Committee that House Joint Resolution 803 urges the secretary of state to include the history and significance of the Appalachian dialect in the Tennessee Blue Book.

Harshbarger described features of the dialect and its cultural roots — citing Scotch‑Irish, Native American and French influences — and said the measure is a request, not a mandate, aimed at preserving and respecting regional speech. She offered examples such as “papaw,” “haint,” “poke paper,” and common regional sayings to illustrate linguistic traditions.

Committee members from other regions asked questions and shared observations about regional speech; the committee voted unanimously to move HJR 803 to the calendar.