This study of vocabulary change investigates the regional vocabularies found in eight of the Southern states and seeks conclusions about the relative changes in uniformity in current local use. Assumptions, procedures, and techniques for research are presented here. The results reported were obtained from a printed vocabulary questionnaire administered to approximately 1000 people; the results were subjected to computer processing. The geography of some words is considered as is synonym choice on particular topics; general conclusions are discussed. Appendixes provide details on ancestral origins of informants, questionnaires, data processing, and geographical areas. Tables illustrate the occurence of local words, totals of words used, and the volunteered word list. Word maps are provided along with a bibliography and word and topical indexes. (VM)