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Questions and Answers
What do the terms accent and dialect refer to?
What do the terms accent and dialect refer to?
Accent refers to how words are pronounced, while dialect refers to the unique words used in a specific area.
Which of the following is considered a feature of Received Pronunciation (RP)?
Which of the following is considered a feature of Received Pronunciation (RP)?
What is a matched guise experiment?
What is a matched guise experiment?
A matched guise experiment involves participants listening to speakers using different accents and rating them on various features.
Brummie accents are generally viewed as more intelligent than RP accents.
Brummie accents are generally viewed as more intelligent than RP accents.
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Which statement about RP is true?
Which statement about RP is true?
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What does lexical attrition refer to?
What does lexical attrition refer to?
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Cockney rhyming slang originated from the _____ underworld.
Cockney rhyming slang originated from the _____ underworld.
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Match the following London accent variations with their characteristics:
Match the following London accent variations with their characteristics:
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Estuary English incorporates features from both RP and Cockney accents.
Estuary English incorporates features from both RP and Cockney accents.
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What is one common feature of Multicultural London English (MLE)?
What is one common feature of Multicultural London English (MLE)?
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In which section of the exam should you avoid discussing theories related to accent and dialect?
In which section of the exam should you avoid discussing theories related to accent and dialect?
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Study Notes
Language and Accent
- Accents indicate regional origins, e.g., Geordie accent in Newcastle.
- Accent: Refers to the way words are pronounced; dialect: Refers to unique words and grammar in an area.
- Everyone has an accent, often unnoticed due to perceptions of "normal" speech.
Phonetics in Writing
- Phonemes represented in slashes: /a/; longer sounds use ":".
- IPA (International Phonetic Alphabet) is used for sound transcription.
- Memorizing phonological features is crucial for exams.
Matched Guise Experiment
- Investigates perceptions of accents using 'guise' to disguise speakers.
- Giles's research showed RP (received pronunciation) perceived as intelligent, regional accents as friendly.
- Brummie accent ranked lowest in perceived intelligence.
Received Pronunciation (RP)
- Defined as standard accent of Southern England, historically associated with prestige.
- Phonological features of RP include the trap/bath split, H-retention, non-rhoticity, conservative vowels, and yod-coalescence.
- RP has multiple attributes:
- Prescriptivist view promotes correct English usage.
- Carries overt prestige linked to 'The Establishment'.
- Considered artificial and regionless; only spoken by about 2% of the population.
- Universally recognized as 'standard' English by non-native speakers.
Theories on RP
- Giles's Capital Punishment Experiment: RP accent rated highly for competency but low for persuasiveness.
- AC Gimson's Argument: RP can be a disadvantage in social empathy situations.
- Jonathan Harrington's Study: Examined evolution of the Queen's accent, indicating her shift towards general Southern English.
- George Osbourne's Case Study: Observed Osbourne transitioning to Estuary English with workers but reverting to RP in Parliament.
- Giles and Powesland's Study: RP speakers perceived as more intelligent compared to Brummie accent speakers.
Brummie Accent Criticism
- Brummie accent often associated with negative stereotypes.
- University of Aberdeen's study found Brummie humor more entertaining than RP.
- Participants in Worcester College study linked Brummie accent to poverty and guilt.
Dialectal Variations
- Dialect words vary regionally; examples include variations for bread roll.
- Traditional Dialects: Preserve old lexicons; Mainstream Dialects: Common usage in geographical areas.
- Lexical attrition leads to decline of traditional dialects.
London Dialect Variations
- Significant changes over the last 200 years.
Cockney Rhyming Slang (CRS)
- Originated in East London criminal subculture, examples include 'brown bread' (dead).
- Became common usage outside of criminal context.
- Cockney expressions have evolved, though the accent remains less prevalent.
Estuary English
- A blend of RP and Cockney, features include glottal stops and TH-fronting (e.g., 'thing' to 'fing').
- Acts as a linguistic bridge between different social classes.
- Has spread across the UK, affecting accents even in distant locations.
Multicultural London English (MLE)
- Emerged from migration influences, prevalent in diverse inner-London areas.
- Soon may replace Cockney, heavily influenced by grime music and youth culture.
- Features include indefinite pronoun usage and Jamaican slang.
Exam Preparation for Accent and Dialect
- In Paper 2, Section A, evaluate language diversity with a focus on theories for 30 marks total.
- In Section B, creatively write an opinion piece integrating accent and dialect knowledge for a combined score of 30 marks.
- Avoid theoretical discussions in Paper 1, except for direct questions on accent and dialect in Paper 2, Section B, question 3.
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Description
This quiz explores the fascinating world of accents and dialects in linguistics. It highlights how pronunciation and unique terms reflect regional backgrounds. Test your knowledge on the significance of dialect and how accents define identity across different areas.
