Talk:Alabaman

No one - NO ONE - from Alabama says "Alabaman". This is a word used exclusively by people who have never been here, the equivalent of calling someone from Canada "Canadan". Lackcomm 19:53, 30 January 2009 (UTC)

We try to reflect both usage and the evidenced preference of those involved when it comes to demonyms. I think the presentation is accurate now. Alabaman is almost as common in use as Alabamian. That extra syllable may make it an uphill battle. Is it actually pronounced? Or is it "Ala|'bam|yan"? DCDuring TALK 13:28, 6 February 2009 (UTC)

Here's a citation from an opinion piece in the November 23, 1933 edition of the Birmingham Age-Herald: "The Alabama monument just unveiled at Gettysburg carries the following sentiment: "Alabamians! Your Names Are Inscribed on Fame's Immortal Scroll.' The invocation jars the Boston Transcript. It does not recall having even seen in print the name 'Alabamians.' It has never heard the term. If some such noun has to be used, it prefers 'Alabaman.' But if it had its way, it would avoid such a verbalism altogether. 'Sons of Alabama' strikes it as being infinitely happier and more dignified. That is the solution employed in Massachusetts or in New Hampshire. There it is 'Massachusetts man' or 'Son of New Hampshire'. Just what is to be done with this piece of supererogation? Can it be that The Transcript has never seen an Alabama newspaper, partiularly [sic] the Age-Herald? Can it be that no Alabama orator has identified himself for the benefit of anyone on The Transcript? This confession of ignorance form a Bostonian is so startling as to make one wonder what has happened to the hub of the solar system 'Since there is no positive rule to govern the case, the people of Alabama may properly call themselves what they like,' says the Transcript. That is something to be grateful for. In anticipation of that permission, the people have been calling themselves 'Alabamians' time whereof the memory of man runneth not to the contrary. 'Sons of Alabama' might look very well on that monument. But we are not on dress parade all the while, and 'Alabamians' hath a sweet sound to him that hath ears to hear." --98.83.170.20 19:15, 26 October 2013 (UTC)