Australian English is often referred to as being very close to British English, although it also contains features which can only be found in Australian English. So the question arises as to which extend it differs from British English and if Australian English is a variety of it? Consequently, there has to be an explanation for this which this paper will attempt to ascertain.
To answer this question it is necessary to define the term variety in general and to examine its features. Furthermore, this paper will present a theoretical explanation as to how and why varieties develop.
In the following, it will be examined if Australian English is really so close to British English and if it can be claimed to be a variety of it. Therefore, it will be examined if the features defined to be characteristic of a variety in the theoretical sense, can be found in Australian English. The linguistic features of Australian English with special focus on differences on the phonological, morphological, lexical and syntactical level to British English will be presented.
On the other hand, there will be a sociolinguistic explanation of these developments with a special focus on the relationship between Australians and the British and the historical development. There will also be an examination of the development of the Australian identity and the attitudes towards Australian English because the language of the people living in the country influences their identity and vice-versa.
Following this analysis Australian English and its relationship to British English on a linguistic and sociolinguistic level, this paper will attempt in taking all the aspects explored into account, to state whether Australian English can be claimed to be a variety of British English or not.
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Inhaltsverzeichnis (Table of Contents)
- Introduction
- Variety: Definition and Features
- Linguistic Features of Australian English
- Phonology
- Morphology
- Compounds
- Suffixation
- Place-names in "the"
- Lexicon
- Syntax
- Sociolinguistics of Australian English
- Historical linguistic reconstruction of Australian English
- Australian Identity and its influences on Australian English
- Conclusion
Zielsetzung und Themenschwerpunkte (Objectives and Key Themes)
This paper aims to investigate the extent to which Australian English differs from British English and whether it can be considered a variety of British English. It will define the term "variety," explore its features, and examine linguistic and sociolinguistic explanations for the development of language varieties.
- Definition and characteristics of language varieties
- Linguistic analysis of Australian English (phonology, morphology, lexicon, syntax)
- Sociolinguistic factors influencing the development of Australian English
- The historical relationship between Australian and British English
- The role of Australian identity in shaping the language
Zusammenfassung der Kapitel (Chapter Summaries)
Introduction: This introductory chapter sets the stage for the paper by posing the central question: Is Australian English a variety of British English? It highlights the existing debate surrounding the similarities and differences between the two and outlines the paper's methodology, which involves defining "variety," examining its linguistic features in the context of Australian English, and exploring the sociolinguistic factors driving its development, including the historical relationship between Australia and Britain and the evolution of Australian identity.
Variety: Definition and Features: This chapter tackles the complex and often debated definition of "variety" in linguistics. It acknowledges the lack of a universally accepted definition and adopts the less stigmatized term "variety" over "dialect." The chapter then focuses on the regional aspect of variety, highlighting its distinct characteristics in phonology, grammar (morphology and syntax), and lexicon. It further differentiates between standard and non-standard varieties, using British English as the standard, and discusses the social, economic, and political factors influencing a variety's status. Finally, the chapter explores both linguistic (rule extension, analogy, transparency principle, pronunciation phenomena, and lexical variation) and social/historical (settlement patterns, migration, language contact, social stratification) explanations for the development of language varieties.
Linguistic Features of Australian English: This section would delve into a detailed analysis of the linguistic features that distinguish Australian English. This would cover phonological differences, morphological variations (including compounds, suffixation, and the use of "the" with place names), lexical peculiarities, and syntactic structures unique to or prevalent in Australian English. It would compare and contrast these features with those found in British English, providing concrete examples to illustrate the differences and similarities. The analysis would not only identify the specific differences but also explore the potential linguistic explanations for their emergence and evolution.
Sociolinguistics of Australian English: This chapter explores the sociolinguistic dimensions of Australian English, focusing on the historical linguistic reconstruction of the variety and the profound influence of Australian identity. It examines the historical relationship between Australia and Britain and how this shaped the development of Australian English. It also explores how societal factors, including attitudes towards language and the evolution of Australian identity, have shaped and continue to shape linguistic practices and features in the country.
Schlüsselwörter (Keywords)
Australian English, British English, language variety, dialect, phonology, morphology, lexicon, syntax, sociolinguistics, language contact, historical linguistics, Australian identity.
Frequently Asked Questions: A Comprehensive Language Preview of Australian English
What is the main topic of this language preview?
This preview comprehensively examines Australian English, focusing on its relationship with British English, its linguistic features, and the sociolinguistic factors that shaped its development. It investigates whether Australian English can be considered a variety of British English and explores the defining characteristics of the language.
What does the preview cover in terms of content?
The preview includes a table of contents, objectives and key themes, chapter summaries, and keywords. The content covers the definition and features of language varieties, a detailed linguistic analysis of Australian English (phonology, morphology, lexicon, syntax), and a sociolinguistic examination of its development, including historical influences and the role of Australian identity.
What are the key themes explored in this preview?
Key themes include the definition and characteristics of language varieties, the linguistic analysis of Australian English across various levels (phonology, morphology, lexicon, syntax), the sociolinguistic factors influencing its development (historical relationship with British English, Australian identity), and the historical linguistic reconstruction of Australian English.
How does the preview define and characterize language varieties?
The preview addresses the complexities surrounding the definition of "variety," acknowledging the lack of a universally accepted definition. It prefers the less stigmatized term "variety" over "dialect" and focuses on the regional aspect of variety, highlighting its distinct characteristics in phonology, grammar, and lexicon. It also differentiates between standard and non-standard varieties and examines the social, economic, and political factors influencing a variety's status.
What linguistic features of Australian English are analyzed?
The linguistic analysis of Australian English delves into phonological differences, morphological variations (compounds, suffixation, use of "the" with place names), lexical peculiarities, and syntactic structures unique to or prevalent in Australian English. These features are compared and contrasted with those of British English, providing examples to illustrate similarities and differences.
What sociolinguistic aspects of Australian English are discussed?
The sociolinguistic discussion focuses on the historical linguistic reconstruction of Australian English, the influence of Australian identity, and the historical relationship between Australia and Britain. It examines how societal factors, attitudes towards language, and the evolution of Australian identity have shaped linguistic practices and features in Australia.
What is the central question addressed in the preview?
The central question is whether Australian English can be considered a variety of British English. The preview explores this question by examining the similarities and differences between the two, and analyzing the linguistic and sociolinguistic factors that have contributed to the development of Australian English as a distinct entity.
What is the methodology used in this preview?
The methodology involves defining "variety," examining its linguistic features in the context of Australian English, and exploring the sociolinguistic factors driving its development, including the historical relationship between Australia and Britain and the evolution of Australian identity.
What are the keywords associated with this language preview?
Keywords include: Australian English, British English, language variety, dialect, phonology, morphology, lexicon, syntax, sociolinguistics, language contact, historical linguistics, Australian identity.
What is the purpose of this language preview?
The purpose is to provide a comprehensive overview of Australian English, its origins, its unique characteristics, and its place within the broader context of English language varieties. It aims to provide a structured and professional analysis of the language, suitable for academic use.
- Quote paper
- Saskia Lührig (Author), 2005, Australian English: A Variety of British English?, Munich, GRIN Verlag, https://www.grin.com/document/123442
