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The use of English in [[Colonial America]] was established as a result of British settlement of the [[Thirteen Colonies]]. The first large wave of English-speaking settlers arrived in Virginia and New England in the 1607-1660 period. Other waves followed--and indeed immigrants from many other English-speaking countries are still arriving.

The use of English in [[Colonial America]] was established as a result of British settlement of the [[Thirteen Colonies]]. The first large wave of English-speaking settlers arrived in Virginia and New England in the 1607-1660 period. Other waves followed--and indeed immigrants from many other English-speaking countries are still arriving.

In the South the colonists came mostly from the western part of England, and the distinctive accents of those regions helped shape the southern accent.  

In the South the colonists came mostly from the western part of England, and the distinctive accents and dialects of that region shaped the southern accent.  

By contrast the migrants to New England or [[Yankees]] came from the east of England, and brought along a different accent.  

By contrast the migrants to New England (now called [[Yankees]]) came from the east of England, and brought along different accents and dialects.  

In the 18th century the Scots arrived, from Scotland and Ulster (Northern Ireland), bringing yet another dialect.<ref> Michael Montgomery, "Voices of My Ancestors: a Personal Search for the Language of the Scotch-Irish," ''American Speech'' 2005 80(4): 341-365 in [[EBSCO]]</ref>

In the 18th century the Scots arrived, from Scotland and Ulster (Northern Ireland), bringing yet another dialect and a distinctive accent.<ref> Michael Montgomery, "Voices of My Ancestors: a Personal Search for the Language of the Scotch-Irish," ''American Speech'' 2005 80(4): 341-365 in [[EBSCO]]</ref>

During the colonial era, there were also some speakers in North America of [[Dutch]], [[French]], [[German]], [[Spanish]], and [[Swedish]], as well as numerous [[Native American]] languages. To a small extent, they affected American English, chiefly in the addition of some words and place names  

During the colonial era, there were also some speakers in North America of [[Dutch]], [[French]], [[German]], [[Spanish]], and [[Swedish]], as well as numerous [[Native American]] languages. To a small extent, they affected American English, chiefly in the addition of some words and place names