Canadian Raising - Geographic Distribution

Geographic Distribution

Despite its name, the phenomenon is not restricted to Canada. "Classic" Canadian raising, affecting both the /aʊ/ and /aɪ/ diphthongs, is quite common in New England (including in the traditional accent of Martha's Vineyard), and also occurs in parts of the upper Midwest. Southern Atlantic varieties of English and the accents of the Fens in England feature it as well. The second, "American" variety, affecting only /aɪ/, can be found in the northern United States, the Mid-Atlantic Dialect region, California, and probably in many other parts of the country, as it appears to be spreading. There are also Canadians who raise /aɪ/ and not /aʊ/ or vice versa.