Putting individuals back in contact
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Michelle C. Braña-Straw
Abstract
Researchers have commented that linguistic complexity and the level of social integration can constrain adults’ ability to acquire phonological changes (Chambers 1992; Kerswill 1996; Evans 2004). This preliminary study explores the extent to which first generation Barbadian immigrants acquire Ipswich English (IpsE) or retain their own phonology (Island Barbadian English, or IBE). Initial results indicate that Barbadians employ four different strategies for individual vowels: (1) maintenance, (2) partial accommodation, (3) full accommodation, and (4) phonetic divergence. One outcome is the emergence among Barbadian females of an interdialect form with the creation of homophones not present in IBE or IpsE. Finally, the paper raises the possibility of new dialect formation in subsequent generations.
Abstract
Researchers have commented that linguistic complexity and the level of social integration can constrain adults’ ability to acquire phonological changes (Chambers 1992; Kerswill 1996; Evans 2004). This preliminary study explores the extent to which first generation Barbadian immigrants acquire Ipswich English (IpsE) or retain their own phonology (Island Barbadian English, or IBE). Initial results indicate that Barbadians employ four different strategies for individual vowels: (1) maintenance, (2) partial accommodation, (3) full accommodation, and (4) phonetic divergence. One outcome is the emergence among Barbadian females of an interdialect form with the creation of homophones not present in IBE or IpsE. Finally, the paper raises the possibility of new dialect formation in subsequent generations.
Chapters in this book
- Prelim pages i
- Table of contents v
- Introduction 1
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Part I. Variation and linguistic systems
- Revisiting variation between sa and o in Sranan 13
- Inherent variability and coexistent systems 39
- Putting individuals back in contact 57
- Relative markers in spoken Standard Jamaican English 79
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Part II. Variation and identity
- “Flying at half-mast”? Voices, genres, and orthographies in Barbadian Creole* 107
- The creole continuum and individual agency 133
- Language attitudes and linguistic awareness in Jamaican English 163
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Part III. Variation and the community
- The varilingual repertoire of Tobagonian speakers 191
- On the emergence of new language varieties 207
- ‘Creole’ and youth language in a British inner-city community 231
- Le Page’s theoretical and applied legacy in sociolinguistics and creole studies 251
- Name index 273
- Subject index 275
Chapters in this book
- Prelim pages i
- Table of contents v
- Introduction 1
-
Part I. Variation and linguistic systems
- Revisiting variation between sa and o in Sranan 13
- Inherent variability and coexistent systems 39
- Putting individuals back in contact 57
- Relative markers in spoken Standard Jamaican English 79
-
Part II. Variation and identity
- “Flying at half-mast”? Voices, genres, and orthographies in Barbadian Creole* 107
- The creole continuum and individual agency 133
- Language attitudes and linguistic awareness in Jamaican English 163
-
Part III. Variation and the community
- The varilingual repertoire of Tobagonian speakers 191
- On the emergence of new language varieties 207
- ‘Creole’ and youth language in a British inner-city community 231
- Le Page’s theoretical and applied legacy in sociolinguistics and creole studies 251
- Name index 273
- Subject index 275
