The Soulful Heart of the South: Memphis

• HelloHowdy
  [haʊ-di]
• GoodbyeSee ya
  [siː yə]
• YesYep
  [yɛp]
• NoNah
  [nɑ]
• Please/You're welcomePlease/You're welcome
  [pliːz/jʊr ˈwɛlkəm]
• Thank youThank ya
  [θæŋk jə]
• Excuse me/SorryPardon
  [ˈpɑrdn]
• How are you?How y'all doin'?
  [haʊ jɔːl ˈduɪn]
• Fine. And you?Fine. And you?
  [faɪn. ænd ju]
• Do you speak English?Ya speak English?
  [jə spik ˈɪŋɡlɪʃ]
• I don't understandI ain't catchin' on
  [aɪ eɪnt ˈkætʃɪn ɑn]

• I'd like to see the menu, pleaseLet me check out the menu, please
  [lɛt mi tʃɛk aʊt ðə ˈmɛnju pliːz]
• I don't eat meatI don't eat meat
  [aɪ doʊnt it mit]
• Cheers!Cheers!
  [ʧɪrz]
• I would like to pay, pleaseI need to settle up, please
  [aɪ nid tə ˈsɛdl ʌp pliːz]

• Help!Help!
  [hɛlp]
• Go away!Get on outta here!
  [ɡɛt ɔn ˈaʊtə hɪr]
• Call the Police!Call the Po-lice!
  [kɔl ðə poʊˈlis]
• Call a doctor!Call a doc!
  [kɔl ə dɑk]
• I'm lostI done got turned around
  [aɪ dʌn ɡɑt tɜrnd əˈraʊnd]
• I'm illI'm feelin' poorly
  [aɪm ˈfilɪn ˈpʊrli]

• I'd like to buy...I'm fixin' to buy...
  [aɪm ˈfɪksɪn tu baɪ]
• I'm just lookingI'm just lookin'
  [aɪm ˈdʒəst ˈlʊkɪn]
• How much is it?How much is it?
  [haʊ ˈmʌtʃ ɪz ɪt]
• That's too expensiveThat's too high
  [ðæts tu hi]
• Can you lower the price?Can you knock it down?
  [kæn ju nɑk ɪt daʊn]

• What time is it?What time is it?
  [wʌt taɪm ɪz ɪt]
• It's one o'clockIt's one o'clock
  [ɪts wʌn əˈklɑk]
• Half past (10)Half past (10)
  [hæf pæst (10)]
• MorningMornin'
  [ˈmɔrnɪn]
• AfternoonAfternoon
  [ˌæftərˈnun]
• EveningEvenin'
  [ˈivnɪn]
• YesterdayYestiddy
  [ˈjɛstɪdi]
• TodayToday
  [təˈdeɪ]
• TomorrowTomorra
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• 11
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• 22
  [tu]
• 33
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• 44
  [fɔr]
• 55
  [faɪv]
• 66
  [sɪks]
• 77
  [sɛvən]
• 88
  [eɪt]
• 99
  [naɪn]
• 1010
  [tɛn]

• Where's a/the...?Where's a/the...?
  [wɛrz ə/ðə]
• What's the address?What's the address?
  [wʌts ðə əˈdrɛs]
• Can you show me (on the map)?Can you show me (on the map)?
  [kæn ju ʃoʊ mi (ɒn ðə mæp)]
• When's the next (bus)?When's the next (bus)?
  [wɛnz ðə nɛkst (bʌs)]
• A ticket (to ....)A ticket (to ....)
  [eɪ ˈtɪkɪt (tu ....)]

Memphis was founded in 1819 by a group of wealthy Americans including John Overton, James Winchester, and Andrew Jackson. The city was named after the ancient capital of Egypt on the Nile River, reflecting its strategic location along the Mississippi River. Early Memphis quickly grew as a transportation and trade hub, capitalizing on its riverfront position.

During the American Civil War, Memphis was a significant Confederate stronghold until it was captured by Union forces in 1862 after the Battle of Memphis. The city became a Union supply base for the remainder of the war. Post-war Memphis faced numerous challenges, including a devastating yellow fever epidemic in 1878 that killed thousands and led to the city's bankruptcy.

Memphis is often considered the birthplace of the blues, a genre that originated from African American communities in the Deep South. In the early 20th century, Beale Street became a thriving center for blues music. Legendary musicians like W.C. Handy, known as the 'Father of the Blues,' composed many of their famous works in Memphis.

Memphis played a pivotal role in the Civil Rights Movement. The city is perhaps most famously known for the assassination of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. on April 4, 1968, at the Lorraine Motel. This tragic event highlighted the city's significance in the struggle for civil rights and led to nationwide mourning and calls for social justice.

Memphis is synonymous with Elvis Presley, the 'King of Rock 'n' Roll.' Presley moved to Memphis with his family as a teenager and began his career there. Graceland, his mansion, is one of the most visited tourist attractions in the United States, drawing millions of fans from around the world each year.

Today, Memphis is a vibrant city known for its rich cultural heritage, music, and cuisine. It has a diverse economy with key industries in transportation, healthcare, and education. The city's downtown area has been revitalized, featuring attractions like the National Civil Rights Museum, Beale Street, and the Memphis Pyramid.

Memphis, Tennessee is served by the Memphis International Airport (MEM), which is approximately 11 miles southeast of downtown Memphis. The airport offers numerous domestic flights and limited international services. From the airport, you can take a taxi, rideshare service, or rental car to reach the city center. For those driving, Memphis is accessible via Interstates 40 and 55. Amtrak also provides rail service to Memphis through the City of New Orleans route.

Memphis has various transportation options. The Memphis Area Transit Authority (MATA) offers bus and trolley services throughout the city. Taxis and rideshare services like Uber and Lyft are readily available. If you prefer biking, Memphis has bike-sharing programs and numerous bike lanes. Renting a car is also a viable option for exploring beyond the city limits. Parking is generally plentiful, though downtown areas may require paid parking.

The official currency is the United States Dollar (USD). Credit and debit cards are widely accepted in most establishments, including restaurants, shops, and hotels. ATMs are abundant throughout the city for cash withdrawals. Tipping is customary in Memphis, usually around 15-20% in restaurants and for other services.

While Memphis is generally safe for tourists, certain areas have higher crime rates. Downtown and tourist-heavy areas like Beale Street are well-patrolled but remain cautious, especially at night. Avoid areas like South Memphis and certain parts of North Memphis known for higher crime rates. Always keep personal belongings secure and stay aware of your surroundings.

In case of emergency, dial 911 for immediate assistance from police, fire, or medical services. Memphis has several hospitals with emergency departments, including the Regional One Health Medical Center and Methodist University Hospital. It's advisable to have travel insurance that covers medical emergencies. For minor health issues, pharmacies like Walgreens and CVS are available throughout the city.

Fashion: Do dress comfortably for the weather, but avoid overly casual attire in upscale restaurants. Religion: Do respect religious customs when visiting places of worship. Public Transport: Do have exact change or a transit card for MATA services. Don't eat or drink on public transport. Greetings: Do greet with a smile and a handshake. Eating & Drinking: Do try local BBQ and soul food. Don't skip tipping your server.

To experience Memphis like a local, visit the Cooper-Young neighborhood for eclectic shops and eateries. Spend time at Shelby Farms Park for outdoor activities. Enjoy live music not just on Beale Street, but also in local venues like the Levitt Shell. For a unique experience, attend a Memphis Grizzlies NBA game or a concert at the historic Orpheum Theatre.