“The one thing I really love about language is how language can point to our history of human contact, relationship and movement,” said Mary Kohn, an associate professor at Kansas State University, who holds a doctorate degree in linguistics. “That’s very true for Kansas, as well. “Whenever we look at place names or pronunciation, what we’re getting is a cultural representation that reflects our history, and I think that’s really beautiful.” When it comes to pronouncing the names of places in Kansas — cities, counties, and even local and regional landmarks — native residents of the state may have a leg up.
Source: CJonline