When people think of Scotland the images they have in mind are usually very restricted. Most of us combine the country with the myth of Nessie, the Clans and their tartan culture, the good whisky, the Highlands and the famous Highland Games. All these existing images of Scotland make up a large part of the country’s culture but Scotland is more than that. Only the minority of us might think of Scotland as a country with a long and problematic history and just some are regarding the fact that it has still not gained its entire independence. It is a country full of contrasts and difficulties which you cannot only become aware of when you consider the geographical situation but also the social, political and cultural circumstances. A today’s problem resulting from Scotland’s long history is the question of Scottish identity, and accompanied by that the language problem. Language is an element of culture and people express through their language and speaking behaviour identities and attitudes. In Scotland the situation is quite difficult. As part of the United Kingdom the official language spoken in Scotland is Standard English but depending on the area you are visiting, you can also find speakers of other varieties such as Scots or Gaelic or even dialects. However, these varieties are said to be non- standardised languages and therefore are not officially used in Scotland. That leads to the problem that speakers of these varieties have the feeling not to be part of the speaker community and consequently they cannot identify themselves with these. The issue that now has to be surveyed, is the question what types of languages are existing in Scotland and how do these language varieties influence the identities and attitudes of Scots.
For that reason I have planned to concentrate on one of Scotland’s languages and would like to write my paper about the Scots and their tongue. In the first part I will deal with the Scots, their nation and their development. The main focus in my work will be the re-flection on Modern Scots, the problematic of the Scots’ status and its varieties. I am going to discuss if it is a distinct language, an accent or a dialect and will also look at the different varieties of Scots inside and outside of Scotland to give an overview of existing forms.
Inhaltsverzeichnis (Table of Contents)
- Introduction
- Scots now and then
- History of Scots
- Scots Identity and Status
- Attitudes towards Scots
- Modern Scots
- Accent, Dialect or Language
- Varieties of Scots
- Regional Variety
- Mid Scots
- Southern Scots
- Northern Scots
- Insular Scots
- Scots outside of Scotland
- Regional Variety
- Some Linguistic Features
- Summary
Zielsetzung und Themenschwerpunkte (Objectives and Key Themes)
This paper focuses on the Scots language and its role in Scottish identity, examining its historical development, current status, and varieties. The author aims to shed light on the complexities of language and identity in a nation with a long and varied linguistic history. Key themes include:- The historical development of Scots, including its relationship to Gaelic and English
- The impact of the Union of the Crowns on the status of Scots
- The challenges faced by Scots in maintaining its presence in the modern era
- The different varieties of Scots and their regional variations
- The role of Scots in shaping Scottish identity and culture
Zusammenfassung der Kapitel (Chapter Summaries)
Introduction
The introduction explores the common perceptions of Scotland and its culture, highlighting the often-overlooked aspects of its linguistic diversity. It introduces the complex issue of Scottish identity and language, outlining the challenges posed by the dominance of Standard English and the marginalized status of Scots and Gaelic. The paper focuses specifically on Scots, outlining its historical development, modern status, and various varieties.Scots now and then
History of Scots
This section explores the historical development of Scots, tracing its roots to the various ethnic and linguistic groups that inhabited Scotland, including the Gaelic-speaking Scotiae from Ireland, the Germanic tribes in the East, and the Norse-speaking settlers from Scandinavia. The paper highlights the significant influence of "Inglis," a language spoken in the North of England, which eventually became the language of the Scottish kings and the precursor of Scots. The section describes how Scots emerged as the official language of Scotland in the 15th century, before declining in status after the Union of the Crowns in 1603, ultimately becoming a minority language relegated to the lower classes.Scots Identity and Status
This section explores the impact of the Union of the Crowns on Scottish identity, highlighting the struggle to find a unified identity through language. The paper discusses the tension between using Standard English for official purposes and using Scots to express Scottish pride and unity. It describes the efforts of Scottish institutions to redefine what Scotland represents, noting the role of writers such as Hugh MacDiarmid in reviving the status of Scots through their literary works. The section concludes by highlighting the various efforts to revitalize the Scots language, including the production of dictionaries, translations of the Bible, and university courses, acknowledging that Scots remains a covert language alongside English.Modern Scots
Accent, Dialect or Language
This section delves into the complex classification of Scots, examining whether it is a distinct language, an accent, or a dialect. The paper discusses the linguistic features of Scots and its relationship to English, exploring the arguments for and against its categorization as a separate language.Varieties of Scots
This section examines the different varieties of Scots, focusing on its regional variations. It explores the distinct characteristics of Mid Scots, Southern Scots, Northern Scots, Insular Scots, and Scots spoken outside of Scotland, providing a comprehensive overview of the diverse landscape of the Scots language.Some Linguistic Features
This section details some of the key linguistic features of Scots, examining its phonology, grammar, and vocabulary. It highlights the differences between Scots and English, showcasing the unique characteristics of the language and its regional variations.Schlüsselwörter (Keywords)
This preview delves into the history, status, and varieties of Scots, focusing on its relationship to Scottish identity and culture. Key terms include: Scots language, Scottish identity, Gaelic, English, Union of the Crowns, language status, linguistic features, regional varieties, and cultural significance.- Quote paper
- Janina Böttcher (Author), 2005, The Scottish Language Varieties and their Influences on the Scottish Identity, Munich, GRIN Verlag, https://www.grin.com/document/130843
