This paper deals with different explanatory models for the emergence or existence of linguistic features in varieties of the English language. After a brief overview of the current research, five non-standard varieties from all over the world, ranging from a traditional dialect to pidgins and creoles, are analyzed in two morphosyntactic and two phonological features. The theoretical approaches are discussed with reference to the features, providing recommendations for or advise against certain explanatory models. Finally, Bybee's usage-based functionalist approach and the usage-based synthesis of new-dialect formation according to Ansaldo are highlighted as plausible explanations for the features. Formalist, descriptive universals are rejected in favour of functionalist, cognitive universals in human language processing, acquisition and evolution, as they occur in language contact or speaker contact scenarios – the driving force of language change.
Table of Contents
1. Introduction
1.1 Aim of the paper
1.2. Methods
1.3 Basic assumptions
2. Current research
2.1 Sociolinguistic approaches
2.1.1 Schreier – linguistic endemicity
2.1.2 Andersen – center and periphery
2.1.3 Trudgill – new-dialect formation
2.2 Language evolution
2.2.1 Mufwene – language as an organism
2.2.2 Croft – Theory of Utterance Selection
2.3 Linguistic formalism
2.3.1 Chomsky – Universal Grammar
2.3.2 Bickerton – Language Bioprogram Hypothesis
2.3.3 Chambers – vernacular universals
2.4 Synthetic approaches
2.4.1 Tomasello – usage-based approach
2.4.2 Ansaldo – Adaption Theory
2.4.3 Bybee – usage-based functionalism
2.5 Summary
3. Selection of varieties of English
3.1 Traditional L1: Scottish English
3.2 High-contact L1: New Zealand English
3.3 Indigenized L2: Chicano English
3.4 Creole: Bonin Island English/Ogasawara Mixed Language
3.5 Pidgin: Norfolk Island/Pitcairn English
4. Selection of linguistic features
4.1 Morphosyntactic features
4.1.1 F34: alternative forms for 2nd person plural pronouns
4.1.2 F154: multiple negation
4.2 Phonological features
4.2.1 Monophthongization
4.2.2 Th-movement
5. Discussion
5.1 Sociolinguistic approaches
5.1.1 Theoretical outline
5.1.2 Matching the data
5.2 Language evolution
5.2.1 Theoretical outline
5.2.2 Matching the data
5.3 Linguistic formalism
5.3.1 Theoretical outline
5.3.2 Matching the data
5.4 Synthetic approaches
5.4.1 Theoretical outline
5.4.2 Matching the data
5.5 Conclusion – principles at work
6. Considerations
6.1 Does the input matter? Languages vs. dialects in contact
6.2 A different perspective on universals
6.3 Reflection upon material and methods
6.4 Outlook
Research Objectives and Topics
This master's thesis investigates the emergence and existence of linguistic features in five diverse varieties of English. By analyzing two morphosyntactic and two phonological features across these varieties, the research aims to evaluate and compare various explanatory models, including sociolinguistic, evolutionary, formalist, and synthetic usage-based approaches, to determine the most plausible mechanisms of language change in contact scenarios.
- Comparative analysis of non-standard English varieties (L1 dialects, indigenized L2, creoles, and pidgins).
- Evaluation of theoretical models explaining language contact and new-dialect formation.
- Examination of specific morphosyntactic features (pronoun systems and negation).
- Phonological analysis focusing on monophthongization and th-movement.
- Discussion of the applicability of biological and evolutionary analogies to linguistic change.
Excerpt from the Book
1.1 Aim of this paper
In this thesis, five varieties of English will be compared in two phonological and two morphosyntactic features. In advance, different theories or explanations for processes in language development will be discussed. Later, the theories will be taken into consideration for the explanation of the prevalence, varying in degree, of the features discussed in the different varieties. Hereby, certain principles, general processes and tendencies in language development are supposed to be uncovered, confirmed or refuted. Different models of explanations will be matched to certain features, and recommendations on each theory will be made, hopefully resulting in the contribution of an integrated model.
Chapter Summaries
1. Introduction: Presents the aim, methodology, and basic theoretical assumptions regarding linguistic ecology and variety classification for the thesis.
2. Current research: Outlines various theoretical perspectives on linguistic phenomena, including sociolinguistic, evolutionary, formalist, and synthetic approaches to language contact.
3. Selection of varieties of English: Introduces the five chosen English varieties—Scottish English, New Zealand English, Chicano English, Bonin Island English, and Norfolk Island/Pitcairn English—in their specific sociolinguistic and historical contexts.
4. Selection of linguistic features: Details the four selected linguistic features (morphosyntactic and phonological) and provides empirical data for their manifestation in each of the five varieties.
5. Discussion: Matches the collected empirical data against the theoretical models presented in chapter 2 to evaluate the plausibility and utility of each model in explaining language change.
6. Considerations: Reflects on the fundamental questions of language contact, the role of input, the validity of "vernacular universals," and provides an outlook for future research.
Keywords
World Englishes, Language Contact, Linguistic Ecology, New-Dialect Formation, Sociolinguistics, Language Evolution, Morphosyntax, Phonology, Pidgins, Creoles, Usage-based Functionalism, Universal Grammar, Vernacular Universals, Feature Pool, Language Variation.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the core focus of this thesis?
The thesis investigates how and why specific linguistic features emerge and persist in various non-standard English varieties, focusing on contact-induced language change.
Which theoretical frameworks are analyzed?
The author evaluates sociolinguistic approaches, evolutionary linguistics (Mufwene/Croft), linguistic formalism (Chomsky/Bickerton), and usage-based functionalist approaches (Tomasello/Bybee).
What is the primary goal of the research?
The primary goal is to juxtapose the advantages and disadvantages of various explanatory models to determine which can best account for the linguistic features observed in the selected English varieties.
Which methodology is employed in this research?
The research uses a comparative approach, analyzing five distinct varieties of English—ranging from traditional dialects to pidgins—across two morphosyntactic and two phonological features.
What content is covered in the main section of the paper?
The main section details the selection of varieties and features, provides empirical data from existing sources (like WAVE and eWAVE), and conducts a critical discussion matching these data points with linguistic theories.
Which keywords best describe this academic work?
Key terms include World Englishes, Language Contact, Linguistic Ecology, New-Dialect Formation, and Usage-based Functionalism.
How is the "Founder Principle" applied to the studied varieties?
The author uses the Founder Principle (or doctrine of first effective settlement) to explain how the linguistic features of initial settler populations exert a dominant influence on the development of new dialects and contact languages, particularly in cases like Norfolk Island/Pitcairn English.
How does the author view the relevance of Universal Grammar in this context?
The author remains critical of generative formalism and Universal Grammar, arguing that functionalist and usage-based approaches provide more solid, empirically testable foundations for explaining language variation and change.
What conclusion is drawn regarding "vernacular universals"?
The author concludes that while some features like multiple negation are pervasive in non-standard varieties, they are likely the result of internal linguistic developments or sociolinguistic factors rather than evidence of innate, universal "primitive features."
- Quote paper
- B.Ed. Tobias Weber (Author), 2013, Principles at work., Munich, GRIN Verlag, https://www.hausarbeiten.de/document/264081
