This paper deals with the topic ''Scotland'' and is written behind the background of geographi-cal varieties of English. Thus we focus on the main topics historical development and present day language situation in Scotland, linguistic issues and sociolinguistic characteristics. In order to point out what differences between Standard English and Scottish English exist we take a closer look on the multicultural history of Scotland, which reflects in the many different dialects that used to be spoken in Scotland. French, Roman and Celtic influences made the Scottish language so versatile. This reflects not only in its vocabulary, but also in its grammar and phonology. Another important point is the geographical division of Scotland that also exerts influence on the Scottish language, because people on the mainland and the islands use to speak different languages. Finally we want to show that today there are only slight differ-ences between Scottish English and English English that mainly consider the prestige of the languages and the function of identification, but that there used to be differences in the past that are important to the Scots as individual and independent nation.
Inhaltsverzeichnis (Table of Contents)
- Introduction
- Historical development
- Present day language situation
- Linguistic issues
- General linguistic features
- Phonology
- Morphology
- Vocabulary
- Semantics
- Grammar
- Sociolinguistic background
- General sociolinguistic facts
- Division of 3 periods of Scots
- Dialects and Districts
- Attitude towards Scots - Overt and Covert Prestige
- Language and Nation
- Conclusion
Zielsetzung und Themenschwerpunkte (Objectives and Key Themes)
This paper aims to explore the fascinating world of Scottish English, analyzing its historical development, present-day language situation, linguistic features, and sociolinguistic background. It delves into the diverse influences that have shaped this language, highlighting its unique characteristics and its relationship to Standard English.
- Historical development of Scottish English
- Present-day language situation in Scotland
- Linguistic characteristics of Scottish English
- Sociolinguistic factors influencing Scottish English
- The relationship between Scottish English and Standard English
Zusammenfassung der Kapitel (Chapter Summaries)
- Introduction: This chapter provides an overview of the paper's focus on Scottish English, its historical background, and its present-day language situation. It emphasizes the multicultural influences that have shaped the Scottish language.
- Historical development: This chapter delves into the historical factors that have influenced the development of Scottish English. It examines the impact of various events, including Roman invasions, Gaelic influences, and the introduction of Anglo-Saxon and Norse languages.
- Present day language situation: This chapter explores the present-day language situation in Scotland, focusing on the complex dialect picture and the distinction between Scots and Scottish English.
Schlüsselwörter (Keywords)
Key themes and concepts explored in this paper include: Scottish English, historical development, present-day language situation, linguistic features, sociolinguistic background, Standard English, dialects, regional variations, multicultural influences, historical events, and language and nation.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the main influences on the Scottish English language?
Scottish English has been shaped by a multicultural history including French, Roman, Celtic (Gaelic), Anglo-Saxon, and Norse influences.
What is the difference between Scots and Scottish English?
Scots is often considered a sister language or a distinct dialect with its own history, while Scottish English refers to the variety of Standard English spoken in Scotland with specific phonological and grammatical features.
How does geography affect language in Scotland?
There is a significant linguistic division between the mainland and the islands, as well as different dialects across various districts of Scotland.
What are the linguistic characteristics of Scottish English?
It features unique aspects in phonology (pronunciation), morphology, vocabulary, and grammar that distinguish it from Standard English English.
What do the terms "Overt" and "Covert Prestige" mean in this context?
These terms refer to the sociolinguistic attitudes towards Scots; overt prestige is the status of the standard language, while covert prestige relates to the local pride and identity associated with using regional dialects.
- Arbeit zitieren
- Miriam Dauben (Autor:in), 2009, Geographical varieties of English: Scotland, München, GRIN Verlag, https://www.grin.com/document/145294
