Consonants R

Postvocalic /ɹ/ is practically universal across the region though its actual realization may vary. For example, Hartman (1985) characterizes /ɹ/ as involving less retroflexion across a wide area of the  West. The words wash and Washington are often produced with an “intrusive” /ɹ/ , thus [wɑɹʃ] or [wɔɹʃ] . This pronunciation is more common in the traditional Midland dialect areas from western Pennsylvania across the central sections of Ohio, Indiana, and Illinois and into Iowa, Missouri, and Nebraska. It appears to be more common among rural speakers and is often socially stigmatized – a trend that may contribute to its declining use among younger speakers.