Listen: Why do Minnesotans have accents?

The Curious Minnesota podcast delves into the accent's origins and what defines this uniquely Minnesotan way of speaking.

April 21, 2022 at 6:53PM
Frances McDormand plays the role of Marge Gunderson, the local police chief in the move 1995/96 "Fargo" made by the Coen brothers (native sons of St. Louis Park, Minnesota). McDormand is also Joel Coen's wife. Photo by Michael Tackett for Gramercy Pictures.
Frances McDormand as Marge Gunderson in the film ‘Fargo’ (GRAMERCY PICTURES/The Minnesota Star Tribune)

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The Minnesota accent is ubiquitous in the Land of 10,000 Lakes. But where does it come from?

Keely Wolter, a Richfield-based accent and dialogue coach, joins the Star Tribune's Hannah Sayle and Rachel Hutton on the Curious Minnesota podcast to discuss the accent's origins and what defines this uniquely Minnesotan way of speaking.

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about the writer

about the writer

Eric Roper

Curious Minnesota Editor

Eric Roper oversees Curious Minnesota, the Minnesota Star Tribune's community reporting project fueled by great reader questions. He also hosts the Curious Minnesota podcast.

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