Q: In what part or parts of PA have you spent most of your time?
Katy: I have only lived in Central PA, so I definitely identify with the area, particularly Penns Valley area, where I’ve lived for the last 10 years.
Q: Are there features of English that you feel are specific to Penns Valley?
K: There’s a strong Amish presence in the Penns Valley community, so I hear them speak in Pennsylvania Dutch. I know that’s not specific only to my area, but more central and southern PA. When they do speak in English, there’s a definitive, heavy accent.
Q: What differences do you hear when people who aren’t from Central PA talk?
K: I tend to hear a slight accent (or accent to me anyways) in someone from the Pittsburgh area. I still have family in Ohio, and my husband is from New York. I hear accents in their voices.
Q: What sorts of things do you do to support outreach work for the Center for Language Science and Bilingualism Matters at Penn State?
K: My work consists of managing the logistics for all of our events, including coordinating volunteers, organizing all materials, and everything administratively in between!
Q: What do you enjoy most about doing outreach?
K: I enjoy being involved in all aspects of our outreach work, from the planning and organizing phases to seeing each event come to realization. I’m a very detail-oriented person and truly enjoy this aspect of my job. The most enjoyable, for me personally though, is connecting with the children and families at our events.