Synopses & Reviews
Are the dialects of England disappearing in the wake of globalisation and 'Estuary English', or are geographical differences as strong as ever? Joan Beal looks at recent research into regional variation in England, discusses the evidence for 'dialect levelling' and argues that, despite this, features of dialect are still clear markers of regional and local identity. Chapters outlining the main regional differences in accent, dialect grammar and dialect vocabulary are followed by discussions of research into geographical diffusion, levelling, issues of identity and stereotypes. Each chapter is accompanied by either an exercise based on data provided, a data-gathering exercise using methodological tools provided, or an extract from a media article provided to provoke discussion. The book also includes a guide to resources available for the study of regional dialects in England.
Synopsis
Are the dialects of England disappearing under the pressure of globalization and a preference for Estuary English, a dialect widely spoken in the country's southeast region, or are the geographical differences of Britain as strong as ever? Joan Beal reviews recent research on regional variation in England and reevaluates the evidence for dialect leveling, ultimately arguing that despite such trends, distinct dialects still operate as clear and vivid markers of regional and local identity.
Synopsis
A description of regional varieties of British English, along with discussion of current research in dialectology/ variationist sociolinguistics.
About the Author
Joan Beal is Professor of English Language at the University of Sheffield