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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Table of Contents
1 Introduction
2 Variety: Definition and Features
3 Linguistic Features of Australian English
3.1 Phonology
3.2 Morphology
3.2.1 Compounds
3.2.2 Suffixation
3.2.3 Place-names in “the”
3.3 Lexicon
3.4 Syntax
4 Sociolinguistics of Australian English
4.1 Historical linguistic reconstruction of Australian English
4.2 Australian Identity and its influences on Australian English
5 Conclusion
Research Objectives and Key Topics
This paper examines whether Australian English can be classified as a distinct variety of British English. By analyzing its linguistic features—specifically phonology, morphology, lexicon, and syntax—and its sociolinguistic background, the research aims to determine the extent of its divergence from British standards and the influence of national identity on these developments.
- Theoretical definitions of linguistic varieties
- Linguistic divergence on phonological, morphological, and syntactical levels
- The impact of historical and social conditions on language change
- The role of Australian national identity in shaping language attitudes
- Growing influences from American English versus traditional British ties
Excerpt from the Book
3.1 Phonology
The speech continuum running through Australian English is most distinctive within the phonology. The Cultivated variation is very close to British English, but Broad Australian pronunciation shows clear differences. General Australian pronunciation is situated somewhere between the two varieties. The pronunciation of Australian English distinguishes it most obviously from British English as the difference can be heard immediately.
The vowels of Australian English are the features which most clearly show its distinctiveness from British English. The pronunciation of monophthongs in Australian English in comparison to the British English monophthongs shows that the Australian monophthongs are more raised. Furthermore, the vowels of Australian English are also more fronted. This becomes obvious in Figure 2 and 3 where the two vowel quadrilaterals are opposed.
Summary of Chapters
1 Introduction: This chapter outlines the research question regarding the status of Australian English as a variety and establishes the analytical focus on its linguistic and sociolinguistic development.
2 Variety: Definition and Features: This section provides a theoretical framework for defining language varieties, discussing social and linguistic factors that influence language change.
3 Linguistic Features of Australian English: This chapter presents a detailed examination of phonological, morphological, lexical, and syntactical differences between Australian and British English.
4 Sociolinguistics of Australian English: This chapter explores the historical development of Australian English and discusses how evolving national identity has influenced language attitudes and shifts.
5 Conclusion: The final chapter synthesizes the findings, confirming that Australian English differentiates itself on all levels and reflects a shift away from traditional British colonial ties.
Keywords
Australian English, British English, Variety, Phonology, Morphology, Lexicon, Syntax, Sociolinguistics, Language Change, National Identity, Speech Continuum, Broad Australian, Cultivated Australian, Historical Reconstruction, American Influence
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the core subject of this publication?
The publication examines the linguistic status of Australian English, investigating whether it functions as a distinct variety of British English or remains closely bound to it.
What are the primary areas of linguistic analysis?
The paper focuses on four main areas: phonology, morphology, the lexicon, and syntax, highlighting how each differs from British English standards.
What is the main research question of this study?
The primary research question is to determine to what extent Australian English differs from British English and whether it can be claimed to be an independent variety.
Which scientific methods are employed?
The author uses a descriptive linguistic approach, comparing phonetic vowel charts, morphological patterns, and syntactic rules, combined with a sociolinguistic analysis of historical and identity-related factors.
What topics are discussed in the main section?
The main section covers the speech continuum in Australia, specific morphological patterns like suffixation and compounding, historical vocabulary borrowings from Aboriginal languages, and distinct syntactic phenomena.
What are the key terms that characterize this work?
Important terms include the Australian speech continuum (Broad, General, and Cultivated Australian), sociolinguistic hypercorrection, identity, and the influence of American versus British English.
How do place names in Australian English exhibit specific morphological traits?
Australian English frequently uses hypocoristic forms, often adding suffixes or "the" before place names to express familiarity and a sense of belonging within a specific speech community.
How has Australian national identity influenced the development of the language?
Increasing independence from British colonial policy, especially since the 1970s, has led to a greater acceptance of Broad Australian features as symbols of national identity, facilitating a drift away from British norms.
- Quote paper
- Saskia Lührig (Author), 2005, Australian English: A Variety of British English?, Munich, GRIN Verlag, https://www.grin.com/document/123442
