The Welsh English variety can be divided into two sub-varieties: Northern and Southern Welsh English. Northern Welsh English is probably the variety with shows the most Welsh influence as the North was the area where English spread last. Southern Welsh English again can be split up into two major dialects, an Eastern and a Western one. The latter one again is a more rural dialect. The Eastern dialect is a more urban one as it is spoken in and around the cities of Wales. So Eastern South Welsh English is the dialect closest to RP and Standard English. It is also the dialect of Welsh English which shows the less Welsh substratum.
Coming to speak about influences on Welsh English there are two main factors. First of all, the original mother tongue of the Welsh people, Welsh. One can make out Welsh influences on English in syntax, loanwords and pronunciation. The second main influence on Welsh English is the multitude of English English varieties spoken in the counties bordering Wales. These are mainly the varieties of South-West England.
In Wales itself Welsh English or a Welsh accent has a high covert prestige, especially in the South. This is for the accent is associated with national pride and “Welshness”. In the following, we will discuss features of pronunciation at first, then go on with the grammatical and lexical features and conclude with a short examination of the standardisation of Welsh English.
Table of Contents
- Introduction - General influences on Welsh English
- Particularities in pronunciation
- Welsh English vowels
- Vowels in Southern Welsh English
- Vowels in Northern Welsh English
- Welsh English consonants
- Consonants in Southern Welsh English
- Consonants in Northern Welsh English
- Vowel stress and word intonation
- Vowel quality and vowel stress
- Intonation and word stress
- Welsh English vowels
- Grammar, Lexis, Vernacular Features
- Welsh English Grammar
- Vernacular Features of Welsh English
- Welsh English Lexis
Objectives and Key Themes
This work aims to analyze the linguistic features of Welsh English, focusing on its pronunciation, grammar, lexicon, and vernacular aspects. The study primarily compares Southern Welsh English to Received Pronunciation (RP), highlighting the key differences and influences shaping this regional variety.
- The influence of the Welsh language on the phonology, grammar, and lexicon of Welsh English.
- The regional variations within Welsh English, particularly the distinctions between Northern and Southern dialects.
- The phonetic and phonological characteristics of Welsh English pronunciation, including vowel and consonant variations.
- The grammatical structures and lexical items unique to Welsh English.
- The social and historical factors contributing to the development and standardization of Welsh English.
Chapter Summaries
Introduction - General influences on Welsh English: This introductory chapter establishes the framework for the study by outlining the two main sub-varieties of Welsh English: Northern and Southern. It highlights the significant influence of the Welsh language on the English spoken in Wales, particularly in syntax, vocabulary, and pronunciation. The chapter also points out the impact of neighboring English dialects from South-West England. The high covert prestige associated with a Welsh accent, especially in the South, is discussed, linking it to national pride and Welsh identity. The introduction sets the stage for a detailed examination of the pronunciation, grammar, and lexicon of Welsh English, emphasizing the comparison with RP and the exploration of regional variations.
Particularities in pronunciation: This chapter delves into the prominent differences in pronunciation between Welsh English and RP. The focus is primarily on Southern Welsh English, particularly the variety spoken around Swansea. The analysis is structured around vowels, consonants, and word stress/intonation. The chapter meticulously details variations in vowel sounds, comparing them to RP equivalents and exploring monophthongization. Consonant variations, including the tapped /r/ and the absence of the glottal fricative /h/, are also examined. Finally, the chapter touches upon the distinctive features of word stress and intonation in Welsh English.
Grammar, Lexis, Vernacular Features: This chapter shifts the focus from pronunciation to the grammatical and lexical characteristics of Welsh English. It explores the grammatical structures, examining their similarities and differences with standard English. The chapter also analyzes vernacular features and lexical items that are unique to Welsh English, providing examples and discussing their origins and usage. By examining grammar and lexis, this chapter completes the linguistic description of Welsh English, giving a holistic picture of its distinct features.
Keywords
Welsh English, Received Pronunciation (RP), phonology, phonetics, grammar, lexicon, vernacular, regional variation, Northern Welsh English, Southern Welsh English, Welsh language influence, sociolinguistics, language contact, linguistic features, covert prestige.
Frequently Asked Questions: A Comprehensive Overview of Welsh English
What is the focus of this study on Welsh English?
This study provides a comprehensive analysis of Welsh English, focusing on its pronunciation, grammar, lexicon, and vernacular aspects. It compares Southern Welsh English to Received Pronunciation (RP), highlighting key differences and influences.
What are the key themes explored in this study?
Key themes include the influence of the Welsh language on Welsh English, regional variations (particularly between Northern and Southern dialects), phonetic and phonological characteristics (vowel and consonant variations), unique grammatical structures and lexical items, and the social and historical factors contributing to Welsh English's development.
What aspects of pronunciation are examined in detail?
The study delves into the pronunciation differences between Welsh English and RP, focusing on Southern Welsh English. It meticulously details vowel variations, comparing them to RP equivalents and exploring monophthongization. Consonant variations (like the tapped /r/ and absence of /h/) and word stress/intonation are also examined.
How does the study address grammatical and lexical features of Welsh English?
The study explores the grammatical structures of Welsh English, comparing them to standard English. It also analyzes vernacular features and unique lexical items, providing examples and discussing their origins and usage. This completes the linguistic description, offering a holistic view of its distinct features.
What is the significance of the Welsh language's influence on Welsh English?
The study emphasizes the significant influence of the Welsh language on the phonology, grammar, and lexicon of Welsh English. This influence is a core theme throughout the analysis.
What regional variations are discussed?
The study highlights the regional variations within Welsh English, primarily focusing on the distinctions between Northern and Southern dialects. The analysis often centers on Southern Welsh English, particularly the variety spoken around Swansea, comparing it to RP.
What are some of the unique features of Welsh English pronunciation?
Unique pronunciation features discussed include variations in vowel sounds (with comparisons to RP equivalents and monophthongization), consonant variations (such as the tapped /r/ and lack of /h/), and distinctive features of word stress and intonation.
What social and historical factors are considered?
The study considers the social and historical factors contributing to the development and standardization of Welsh English. For example, the high covert prestige associated with a Welsh accent, especially in the South, is linked to national pride and Welsh identity.
What are the key chapters and their contents?
The study includes an introduction outlining the general influences on Welsh English, a chapter detailing particularities in pronunciation, and a chapter focusing on grammar, lexis, and vernacular features. Each chapter provides a detailed summary of its specific findings.
What are the keywords associated with this study?
Keywords include Welsh English, Received Pronunciation (RP), phonology, phonetics, grammar, lexicon, vernacular, regional variation, Northern Welsh English, Southern Welsh English, Welsh language influence, sociolinguistics, language contact, linguistic features, and covert prestige.
- Quote paper
- Christian Ritter (Author), Tamara Schorn (Author), 2004, Linguistic Features Of Welsh English, Munich, GRIN Verlag, https://www.grin.com/document/52581
