1) Introduction: the terms’ dialect’ and ‘Cockney’
The paper shall explore the question of the english urban dialect Cockney as an influence of the English language, its spread all over the world and its validity nowadays.
The term ‘dialect’ indicates a regionally specific variety of language, that differs from the Standard in phonological, grammatical and lexical regards. A standard form is in every language a defined variety of the language in phonological, grammatical and lexical regards.
Beside the English Standard variety there exist a lot of rural and urban dialects. The rural dialects lost their importance in relation to the spread of the Standard, but the urban dialects still play an important role – nowadays the same as in the history of the English language, when they emerged during the urbananisation of England.They are language varieties that were built in the big urban regions and among them the best known nowadays is Cockney, which exists beside a large group of other dialects (for example the Scouse in Liverpool or the Geordie in Newcastle-upon-Tyne). By speakers of a more “educated” accent these dialects were often seen as “harsh” and “ugly”, but for the speaker of the dialect they are a possibility to express an identification with a certain group of people.
Cockney is often seen as the language of London’s working class, but actually it is a variant that arised in the East End region and that has its basis there (in general every English urban dialect is a working-class accent of the area it belongs to). Allegedly it goes back to the Middle English word “coken-ey” (a cock’s egg) which was a scournful nickname for a certain group of people (town-dweller). Strictly speaking a Cockney is a person that was born near the bells of the church Saint-Mary-le-Bow in the City of London, traditionally a Cockney is an inhabitant of London’s East End, but it can also be heard throughout the city.
Table of Contents
- 1) Introduction: the terms 'dialect' and 'Cockney'
- 2) The features of Cockney
- 2.1) Grammar: a non-standard with unexceptional vocabulary
- 2.2) Lexis: Rhyming Slang and language games
- 2.3) Pronunciation: h-dropping, glottal stop and phonemes RP… Cockney…
- 2.4) Summary
- 3) The history of the spread of the English language
- 3.1) English in England
- 3.2) English in the world
- 3.3) Summary
- 4) Cockney as a part of Australian English
Objectives and Key Themes
This paper aims to explore Cockney, a London urban dialect, examining its influence on the English language globally and its current relevance. It investigates the defining grammatical, lexical, and phonological characteristics of Cockney, tracing its historical development and impact.
- Definition and characteristics of Cockney as an urban dialect
- Grammatical features and their deviation from Standard English
- Lexical features, including rhyming slang and its evolution
- Phonological aspects, such as h-dropping and glottal stops
- The historical spread of Cockney and its influence on other dialects
Chapter Summaries
1) Introduction: the terms 'dialect' and 'Cockney': This introductory chapter defines "dialect" as a regionally specific language variation differing from the standard in phonology, grammar, and lexicon. It establishes Cockney as a prominent urban dialect originating in London's East End, often associated with the working class. The chapter contrasts Cockney with Standard English, highlighting its historical significance and its continued use despite sometimes negative perceptions.
2) The features of Cockney: This chapter delves into the distinctive features of Cockney, using the musical "My Fair Lady" as a prominent example. It analyzes Cockney grammar, highlighting non-standard features such as the use of "be and verb + -ing" and "go and verb + -ing" constructions, the omission of the "g" ending, and the substitution of "to" with prepositions in directional phrases. Lexical analysis focuses on the witty and graphic nature of Cockney vocabulary, including the use of rhyming slang and the frequent creation of new word formations. The chapter concludes by acknowledging the influence of Cockney's spontaneous speech on Received Pronunciation (RP), despite the perceived difference between the two.
3) The history of the spread of the English language: This chapter provides a historical context to understand the spread and evolution of Cockney. While detailed content is not provided in the excerpt, it's inferred that this chapter would trace the development of English within England and its subsequent global dissemination, setting the stage for an examination of Cockney's role in this broader linguistic landscape. The relative importance of rural versus urban dialects and the interaction of Cockney with other English dialects around the world would likely be key aspects.
4) Cockney as a part of Australian English: This chapter, based on the provided text excerpt, would analyze the presence and influence of Cockney features within the context of Australian English. It would likely examine the extent to which Cockney vocabulary, grammar, and pronunciation have impacted the development of Australian English, focusing on the specific features that have been adopted or adapted. The chapter would likely explore the historical and social factors that contributed to this linguistic interaction and the unique characteristics of Australian English stemming from this influence.
Keywords
Cockney, dialect, Standard English, Received Pronunciation (RP), urban dialect, rhyming slang, grammar, lexis, phonology, language variation, linguistic history, global English, Australian English.
Frequently Asked Questions: A Comprehensive Language Preview of Cockney
What is the main topic of this text?
This text provides a comprehensive overview of Cockney, a London urban dialect. It explores its defining grammatical, lexical, and phonological characteristics, traces its historical development, and examines its influence on the English language globally, particularly focusing on its impact on Australian English.
What are the key themes explored in this text?
Key themes include the definition and characteristics of Cockney as an urban dialect; its grammatical, lexical, and phonological features compared to Standard English; the historical spread of Cockney and its influence on other dialects; and the presence and influence of Cockney in Australian English. The text also contrasts Cockney with Received Pronunciation (RP) and explores the concept of dialect variation more broadly.
What aspects of Cockney are analyzed in detail?
The text delves into the grammatical features of Cockney, such as non-standard constructions and omissions. It also analyzes its lexical features, with a focus on rhyming slang and word creation. Phonological aspects, including h-dropping and glottal stops, are also examined. The text uses examples from the musical "My Fair Lady" to illustrate some of these features.
What is the historical context provided in the text?
The text provides a historical overview of the spread of the English language, both within England and globally. While details are limited in the excerpt, it's clear that this context is used to understand the broader evolution and influence of Cockney within the larger landscape of English dialects.
How does the text address the relationship between Cockney and Australian English?
A dedicated chapter explores the presence and influence of Cockney features within Australian English. This analysis likely examines the adoption or adaptation of Cockney vocabulary, grammar, and pronunciation in the development of Australian English, considering historical and social factors.
What is the purpose of this text?
The text aims to explore Cockney's influence on the English language globally and assess its current relevance. It investigates the defining characteristics of Cockney and traces its historical development and impact.
What are the key terms or keywords used in this text?
Key terms include Cockney, dialect, Standard English, Received Pronunciation (RP), urban dialect, rhyming slang, grammar, lexis, phonology, language variation, linguistic history, global English, and Australian English.
What is the structure of the text?
The text is structured with an introduction defining key terms, followed by chapters focusing on the features of Cockney, the historical spread of English, and Cockney's influence on Australian English. Chapter summaries and objectives are also provided. The text utilizes a clear table of contents and keywords for easy navigation.
- Quote paper
- Kristina Müller (Author), 2006, The spread of Cockney throughout the English speaking world, Munich, GRIN Verlag, https://www.grin.com/document/74976
