Title: Dying Dialect Preserved in Subway Turnstile
In a bustling city like New York, the subway system is more than just a mode of transportation; it’s a cultural melting pot where diverse languages and dialects intertwine. Amidst the hustle and bustle, one unique dialect has found an unexpected sanctuary in an unlikely place—the subway turnstile.
The dialect in question is Brooklynese, a blend of English, Yiddish, and Italian, that has been spoken by generations of Brooklyn residents. With the rise of gentrification and the influx of new immigrants, the Brooklynese dialect is slowly fading away. However, it has found a new lease on life in the form of a subway turnstile.
The turnstile, located in the Canarsie station, was installed in 1976 and has been a witness to countless conversations over the years. It was recently discovered that the turnstile’s keypad buttons have been etched with phrases in Brooklynese, a testament to the city’s love for its dying dialect.
One of the phrases etched on the turnstile reads, “Don’t be a schmuck, hold the line.” This phrase is a Brooklynese way of reminding passengers to maintain order and hold the line while waiting to enter the subway. Another phrase, “Don’t push the button, it’s just a token,” humorously points out the redundancy of pushing the button when inserting a subway token.
The idea to engrave these phrases on the turnstile was born from the efforts of local historian and linguist, Dr. Michael T. Kaufman. Dr. Kaufman has been working tirelessly to preserve the Brooklynese dialect, which he believes is an essential part of the city’s cultural heritage.
“I wanted to create a piece of public art that would not only showcase the beauty of Brooklynese but also serve as a reminder to the younger generation of its importance,” Dr. Kaufman explained.
The turnstile has become a symbol of Brooklyn’s linguistic diversity and the efforts to preserve its fading dialect. Passengers often stop to take photos and read the phrases, sparking conversations about their own experiences with the dialect.
“Growing up in Brooklyn, you’d hear Brooklynese everywhere. It was a part of our daily lives, and it’s sad to see it slowly disappear,” said Maria, a lifelong Brooklyn resident. “The turnstile is a great way to remember and celebrate our dialect.”
Preserving a dying dialect can be a challenging task, but the Brooklynese turnstile serves as a powerful reminder of the importance of language in shaping cultural identity. It highlights the need to document and celebrate linguistic diversity, ensuring that future generations have a chance to appreciate the rich tapestry of languages that make up the vibrant city of New York.