NDSU’s next Science Café will examine how and why people across the country don’t speak the same.

Kellam Barta, lecturer in the NDSU English department, is scheduled to present “Why do people talk different?” Tuesday, Feb 13, at 7 p.m. at Stoker’s Basement, Hotel Donaldson, located at 101 N. Broadway in Fargo.

According to Barta, English speakers in the United States don’t all talk the same way. Whether it is the East Coast, South, Pacific Northwest or Midwest, people use variations in pronunciation, word choice and grammatical structures.

Barta will talk about why people who speak the same language talk differently and explore why people develop attitudes – both positive and negative – about varying features of spoken English.

Presentation attendees of the presentation are asked to bring examples of variation in English and participation is encouraged.

Barta earned his bachelor’s degree in English and psychology from NDSU and his master’s degree in sociolinguistics from North Carolina State University.

Science Café is sponsored by the NDSU College of Science and Mathematics. The series is designed as an opportunity for the community to hear local scientists discuss interesting science topics in a casual setting.

The event is free and open to the public. Attendees must be 21 or older or accompanied by a parent or guardian. For more information, contact Diane Goede at diane.goede@ndsu.edu or 701-231-7412.

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