How we speak our language is always in flux. Did you know that the NCVS dialect (which includes MN!) is causing a veritable movement, a vowel shift in America? As long as a speaker has great vocal tone & support (no fry or nasality), pronunciation can have more play. Vocabulary and pronunciation are, after all, choices. Knowing more about your voice and speech can help you make the choices that help you connect best with your immediate audience. Isn’t that what communication is really all about? Enjoy reading more about the Northern Cities sounds in this brief article from Dictionary.com