Information needed from Kansans--please read.

[Starbucks Anarchist]

Hey, guys, I'm a writer working on a story set in Kansas. My experience with your state is very limited, so I figure native Kansans could help out if it's not too much trouble.

I basically need to find the general cadence and overall style of speaking (direct, indirect, etc.) of native Kansans. I realize that it may vary throughout the state, but a general approximation would be fine.

Also, the extent of Kansans' hospitality, particularly to outsiders, would be interesting to know as well.

Any help you guys can give me would be greatly appreciated. Thank you.

[proud2BlibKansan]

1. We are known for the midwestern non-accent.

Journalists strive to sound like we do here, as they say we have the least accent of any area of the country.

[Starbucks Anarchist]

3. Not to trot out a lame analogy...

But would it be fair to say the Kansan accent is as flat as Kansas?

And how direct are Kansans? Are they "straight shooters" or do they beat around the bush?

Again, thanks for your help.

[atommom]

4. Much of Kansas *isn't* flat, but that's a common misconception.

Most Kansans are tired of hearing both the "flatness" jokes and the "Wizard of Oz" jokes. ;) As far as hospitality goes, that varies by location. In small towns, outsiders are recognized immediately. In my experience, the locals are usually polite, but a bit cautious ... except for the extraverts who want to hear your life story immediately! I doubt that's unique to Kansas, though.

In larger cities, we're all used to seeing unfamiliar faces, so outsiders are nothing unusual.

I don't know if we can generalize about Kansans being straight shooters or not. My own family tends to beat around the bush, but we have both kinds here.

[Mabus]

2. Here's what you do

go to http://www.congress.org/congressorg/dbq/media/?command=state_search&state=ks
there you will find the media outlets for Kansas. Scroll down to the television and radio stations and go to the links. A lot of the television and radio stations have audio links so you can actually hear what the reporters and a wide variety of Kansans (who are interviewed) across the state sound like.