Mark Twain famously depicted what he called the "Missouri Negro dialect" of Jim. Would that be acceptable today?Slate Plus members get a bonus segment on Lexicon Valley each week, and no ads. <a href="https://my.slate.com/plus?utm_medium=link&amp;utm_campaign=plus_pod&amp;utm_content=Lexicon_Valley&amp;utm_source=show_notes">Sign up now</a> to listen and support our show.Twitter: @lexiconvalleyFacebook: facebook.com/LexiconValleyEmail: <a href="mailto:lexiconvalley@slate.com">lexiconvalley@slate.com</a> Learn more about your ad choices. Visit <a href="https://megaphone.fm/adchoices">megaphone.fm/adchoices</a>

On the Origin of English

A feed from the Slate podcast network featuring episodes with enlightening conversations, opposing views, and plenty of healthy disputes. You'll get a curated selection of episodes from programs like What Next, The Waves, and the Political Gabfest, with deep discussions that go beyond point-counterpoint and shed light on the issues that matter most.