Abstract
When a language is spread all over the world, it naturally is not exactly the same everywhere. The language takes different forms in different places and these forms are distinguishable from each other by certain characteristics. These forms are dialects. In the case of English there are extraordinarily many dialects since the English language is spoken in many countries and functions as the lingua franca of the world. English has achieved global status. It is the language which is most prevalently taught and used as a foreign language in more than a 100 countries. Apart from that, there are several nations which have large numbers of the people speaking English as their mother tongue, i.e. the USA, Canada, Britain, Ireland, Australia and New Zealand.
Among these, Australia is said to be one of the most monolingual countries. However, this is not the only reason why investigations about Australian English are interesting. Since Australia is a very young nation, the dialect which has developed there, started its way up only 200 years ago. In addition, many linguists have referred to the striking homogeneity of Australian English (AusE). Subjective opinions about this dialect cause great deals of controversy and although this reaction might be observed with many dialects, AusE is in some way predestined for evoking controversial feelings. In this paper I will try to give comprehensible explanations why the Australian dialect is a very special form of English.
Table of Contents
1. Introduction
2. History
2.1 Structure of the early Australian society
3. Development of a ‘new’ English
3.1 Language adoption
3.2 Words from Aboriginal languages
4. Variation in Australian English
4.1 Social background
4.2 The Mitchell and Delbridge survey
4.2.1 The vowel variants
5. Uniformity of AusE
6. Bias against AusE
7. Vocabulary
7.1 Example of Waltzing Matilda
7.2 The need for a National dictionary
8. Conclusion
Objectives and Topics
This paper examines the linguistic development, social characteristics, and unique vocabulary of Australian English (AusE), aiming to explain why this dialect is a distinct and significant form of the English language. It explores the historical roots of Australian speech, the influence of social structures, and the impact of Aboriginal loanwords on the emerging national identity.
- Historical evolution of Australian English and its early social conditions
- Phonological variations and the classification of AusE varieties (Broad, General, Cultivated)
- Sociolinguistic perspectives on the uniformity of the Australian dialect
- Lexical developments and the cultural significance of the Australian national dictionary
- Stereotypes, prejudices, and the role of identity in shaping linguistic perception
Excerpt from the Book
7.1 Example of Waltzing Matilda
This assumption can be strenghened by looking at Australia’s dilemma over her national anthem. From the beginning of white settlement to April 1974 and again from 1976 to 1984, "God Save the Queen" (or King) was used as Australia's national anthem. In 1974 a public opinion survey was conducted to decide a new anthem, the choices being "Waltzing Matilda", "Advance Australia Fair" and "Song of Australia". “Advance Australia Fair” became the new anthem. In 1976 the new government reinstated "God Save the Queen" but then held a referendum to determine the anthem. The choices this time were "Waltzing Matilda" (28.3%), "Advance Australia Fair" (43.2%), "Song of Australia" (9.6%) and "God Save the Queen" (18.7%). So, “Advance Australia Fair” was re-adopted as the anthem in 1984. However, the “Waltzing Matilda” is very present across Australia and is said to be something like the anthem of the hearts. The reason why this song was rejected in favour of “Advanced Australia Fair” certainly lies partly in the story that it contains, namely a vagrant stealing a sheep and then committing suicide rather than be captured by the police. It can be doubted that this kind of story is suitable as the national anthem, especially for a country that sometimes has its problems with acknowledging that it had been founded more or less by prisoners. In addition, the unmistakeably local nature of the language might have been considered inappropriate for exposure to the outside world, inasmuch many words are contained that a non-AusE-speaker is not likely to understand.
Summary of Chapters
1. Introduction: Presents the global status of English and introduces the research focus on the homogeneity and unique characteristics of Australian English.
2. History: Details the colonial origins of Australia and the social stratification between convicts, free immigrants, and the elite.
3. Development of a ‘new’ English: Discusses the theories behind the origin of AusE and the integration of Aboriginal loanwords into the colonial lexicon.
4. Variation in Australian English: Analyzes the social factors influencing the dialect and evaluates the methodology and findings of the Mitchell and Delbridge survey.
5. Uniformity of AusE: Explores the reasons behind the linguistic uniformity found across the Australian continent despite the vast geographical reach.
6. Bias against AusE: Addresses the social perceptions, stereotypes, and prejudices that have historically been associated with the Australian accent.
7. Vocabulary: Examines unique Australian terms, the cultural context of "Waltzing Matilda," and the development of the national dictionary.
8. Conclusion: Summarizes the unique nature of AusE as a reflection of the Australian people and their national identity.
Keywords
Australian English, AusE, Linguistics, Sociolinguistics, Dialect, Phonology, Aboriginal languages, Mitchell and Delbridge, National identity, Vocabulary, Macquarie Dictionary, Cultural history, Social variation, Language evolution, Colonialism.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the primary focus of this research paper?
The paper focuses on identifying the historical and sociolinguistic factors that have shaped Australian English (AusE) into the unique dialect it is today.
What are the central themes discussed in the work?
Key themes include the historical development of the Australian colony, the classification of AusE into three main varieties, the impact of Aboriginal vocabulary, and the social perceptions of the Australian accent.
What is the primary goal of the author?
The author aims to provide comprehensive explanations for why the Australian dialect is a distinct form of English, despite the early influence of various British regional dialects.
Which scientific methodology is primarily referenced?
The work heavily relies on secondary literature analysis, particularly the sociolinguistic studies conducted by Mitchell and Delbridge in the 1960s regarding adolescent speech and vowel variants.
What does the main body cover?
The main body covers the history of Australian society, the development of the "new" English, specific phonetic vowel variations, the ongoing debate about linguistic uniformity, and the evolution of the national vocabulary.
Which keywords characterize this paper?
The paper is characterized by terms such as AusE, sociolinguistics, vowel variants, Aboriginal loanwords, and national identity.
Why was the "Waltzing Matilda" example chosen?
It was chosen because it serves as an excellent case study for typical Australian terms and demonstrates the cultural tension regarding the nation's historical identity.
What conclusion does the author reach regarding AusE?
The author concludes that AusE is a beautiful and unique part of the global English mosaic, reflecting the friendliness and distinct openness of the Australian people.
- Quote paper
- Susanne Zolke (Author), 2004, The Australian Dialect, Munich, GRIN Verlag, https://www.hausarbeiten.de/document/32536
