Accent Slam!

The Brian Lehrer Show | Feb 10, 2015

Who has the best New York City accent?

City Lore is sponsoring a competition for the title as part of its Mother Tongues exhibit. We'll hold a version of the contest live on the radio with callers and some special guests. We're joined by Steve Zeitlin, executive director of City Lore, to discuss the show, and linguist Dan Kaufman (co-director of the Endangered Language Alliance) to discuss the landscape of accents in the metro area. Plus: slam competitors Don Semenza, Barbara "Babs" Mensch, Annie Lanzillotto, and Michele Colora. 

WNYC is funded by sponsors and member donations

Top Stories

Voter data shows lower turnout, but pockets of engagement boosted insurgent candidates

A total of 531,000 New Yorkers voted in this year’s primary, less than half of those who turned out for last year’s mayoral contest.
Gothamist |

Feds indict former Mayor Adams adviser Frank Carone in migrant housing bribery scheme

One of former Mayor Eric Adams' oldest and closest allies was arrested Wednesday on federal corruption charges, joining a growing roster of Adams aides facing prosecution.
Gothamist |

Taking Out NYC's Trash, One Block at a Time

All Of It with Alison Stewart |

Inside the Trump White House

Maggie Haberman and Jonathan Swan talk about their new book and the inner workings of the Trump White House.
The Brian Lehrer Show |
YOU ARE ONLINE