American Tongues (1987): cast, story & where to watch

1987 · Film · ★ 8

American Tongues poster

Released in 1987, American Tongues is a documentary film directed by Louis Alvarez, running about 57 minutes.

What it’s about. Rich in humor and regional color, this sometimes hilarious film uses the prism of language to reveal our attitudes about the way other people speak. From Boston Brahmins to Black Louisiana teenagers, from Texas cowboys to New York professionals, American Tongues elicits funny, perceptive, sometimes shocking, and always telling comments on American English in all its diversity. (PBS)

How it landed. With an audience score of 8.0/10, American Tongues sits among the best-reviewed titles in the catalogue.

Where to watch. Streaming options change often. See the full, country-by-country breakdown on our where to watch American Tongues page.

If you liked it. Fans of American Tongues tend to enjoy One Direction: This Is Us, Burn the Stage: The Movie, BTS World Tour: Love Yourself - Japan Edition and Senna.

Frequently asked

Where can I watch American Tongues (1987)?
Streaming, rental and purchase options for American Tongues change frequently. Check our where-to-watch page for the latest availability in your country.
Is American Tongues worth watching?
American Tongues holds an audience score of 8.0 out of 10, and is a strong pick if you enjoy documentary. Most viewers rate it highly.
When was American Tongues released?
American Tongues was released in 1987, with a runtime of about 57 minutes.