It’s pronounced, “Appa-latch-uh.”

Hi, I’m Carley, and I’m a proud Appalachian.

Appalachia is a very specific and often misunderstood region of the South.

The author smiling in a patterned dress standing on a wooden deck with mountains and lush green trees in the background

“Bless your heart” is not a derogatory expression.

2.Our accent does not mean that we are unintelligent.

4.It’s pronounced “Appa-latch-uh”

5.Wereallydon’t enjoy repeating words for other people.

Glenn Close and Amy Adams in a scene from the film "Hillbilly Elegy," wearing casual clothing, stand facing each other with intense expressions in a grassy outdoor setting

6.We’re not clannish.

7.Most movie and TV portrayals of Appalachia are highly inaccurate.

Hands holding up red paper hearts, symbolizing love and positivity

A person with curly hair in a cozy, chunky sweater is seated at a table with a laptop, notebooks, and stationery, gazing thoughtfully out of frame

Several people are seated in a circle in a casual meeting room, engaged in discussion. One person is speaking while others listen attentively

Layers of rolling hills in the Appalachian Mountains stretching into the distance under a fading sunset sky

Five people smiling and pointing at a man in a suit who stands apart from them. The group is dressed in business attire

A family enjoys a gathering on the porch of a house. Some members are standing, others are seated around a table, sharing a meal and conversation

A boy plays banjo during the "Dueling Banjos" scene from the film, "Deliverance"

Plate with four biscuits covered in white sausage gravy on a checkered tablecloth. A fork, knife, and napkin are to the right of the plate

Many graduates in caps and gowns standing outdoors during a graduation ceremony. The focus is mainly on the caps, featuring tassels