WILMINGTON — A 6-mile road in Wilmington’s midtown is the source of a century-old debate.
Many Wilmington natives claim the road ought to be pronounced “Carr,” based on the family it was named after.
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The co-author of “Talkin’ Tar Heel,” one of the only existing studies of linguistics including southeastern North Carolina, said the original Kerr family split in the 19th century.
“There was a split in the family rather early on,” Dr. Jeffrey Reaser said.
But in Wilmington’s case, Reaser said the locals may have it wrong. Dr. John Stevens, a Universtiy at North Carolina Wilmington professor of linguistics, said choosing to pronounce the name either way signifies “insiders” versus “outsiders.” Even Wilmington native and long-serving mayor Bill Saffo weighed in on the running debate.
So, is the “e” really an “a”? Listen to find out:
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