This paper describes the English variety that is spoken in Australia. However, it is not a complete analysis of this variety, since this would go far beyond the scope of this paper. It is rather a summary of the most important features of present time AusE.
In the first chapter I give an outline of those aspects of Australian history that have been relevant for the formation of AusE.
The ensuing chapter describes the linguistic features of this national variety. The differences of the phonological system of AusE compared with other English varieties are described. For that purpose I compare the results of the studies of several authors concerning the pronunciation of vowels, consonants and the intonation pattern. Furthermore, what has been found out about the specifics of AusE morphology, syntax and lexicon is summed up. This chapter also deals with the question why AusE is so remarkably uniform throughout the whole country and if there is any regional variation.
The fourth chapter gives a survey of the three major dialects of AusE called Broad, General and Cultivated Australian which are rather sociolects than regional dialects.
The last chapter finally sums up the main results of the essay.
Table of Contents
1. Introduction
2. History of Australia
3. Linguistic features of Australian English
3.1 The uniformity of Australian English
3.2 Phonology
3.2.1 Vowels
3.2.2 Consonants
3.2.3 Intonation
3.3 Lexicon
3.4 Morphology
3.5 Syntax
4. Variations of Australian English – The major dialects
5. Conclusion
7. Appendix: “Men at Work – Down Under”
Research Objectives and Core Themes
This paper aims to provide a comprehensive overview of the linguistic characteristics of Australian English (AusE), examining its historical formation, its remarkable national uniformity, and its classification into distinct sociolects. The study focuses on identifying specific phonological, morphological, lexical, and syntactical features that differentiate Australian English from other varieties, while contextualizing these developments within the unique history of the Australian continent.
- Historical evolution of Australian English
- Phonological features and vowel system characteristics
- Lexical influence of Aboriginal languages and Americanisms
- Morphological patterns and word-formation
- Sociolectal divisions: Broad, General, and Cultivated Australian
Excerpt from the Book
3.2.1 Vowels
Linguists agree on Horvath’s (2008, 90) statement: “As in most varieties of English, the most distinctive characteristic of the phonological system of AusE are the vowels.”
According to Baker (1966, 449) there are three special features of the Australian accent concerning the vowel system. Firstly, there is a preference for half-close /e/ or half-open /ɜ:/, /ʌ/, /ɔ:/, /əә/ vowels. Secondly, there is a strong intervention of mixed vowels like /əә/, /æ/ and /ɜ:/, which can lead to diphthongization or triphthongization of vowels and thirdly, there is an avoidance of pure back vowels /u:/, /ɔ:/, /ɒ/, /ɑ:/, /ʋ/, /ʌ/.
Among monophthongs, the Australian pronunciation of /i:/ and /u:/ shows remarkably big differences to other English dialects. /i:/ is shortened to /e/ in cases where /i:/ is a primary or intermediate vowel. This serves as an example for the Australian preference for half-close vowels. Thus, economic becomes /ekɒ´nɒmIks/ rather than /i:kɒ´nɒmIks/ (cf. Baker 1966, 438; Horvath 2008, 94 ff.).
Where this form of shortening does not take place, Australians tend to diphthongize this vowel via a long onglide so that tea /´ti:/ becomes /´təәI/ and sweets /´swi:ts/ becomes /´swəәIts/ (cf. Baker 1966, 438 f.).
The sound /u:/ is also diphthongized and fronted at the same time by a long onglide towards /əәʋ/ or /Iʋ/. Thus boot /´bu:t/ becomes /´bəәʋt/ or /´bIʋt/ (cf. Baker 1966, 446).
Summary of Chapters
1. Introduction: This chapter defines the scope of the paper, identifying Australian English as a distinct national variety and outlining the methodology used to analyze its specific linguistic features.
2. History of Australia: This chapter examines the historical cornerstones of Australia, specifically focusing on the arrival of convicts and settlers, which created the initial conditions for the development of a uniform language.
3. Linguistic features of Australian English: This chapter provides a detailed analysis of the phonological, morphological, lexical, and syntactical traits that define the Australian variety of English.
3.1 The uniformity of Australian English: This chapter discusses the debated topic of regional variation, concluding that while minor variations exist, Australian speech remains unusually uniform across its vast territory.
3.2 Phonology: This chapter explores the distinct phonological system of Australian English, focusing on vowels, consonants, and the High Rising Tone intonation pattern.
3.2.1 Vowels: This chapter highlights the unique Australian vowel system, characterized by preferences for half-close vowels and the tendency to diphthongize specific sounds.
3.2.2 Consonants: This chapter details characteristic consonant pronunciations in Australian English, including specific /t/ variations and the influence of preceding vowel sounds on palatalization.
3.2.3 Intonation: This chapter describes the 'High Rising Tone' (HRT), a distinctive rising contour often found in declarative sentences and narratives within Australian speech.
3.3 Lexicon: This chapter investigates the vocabulary of Australian English, specifically the integration of Aboriginal terms and the impact of American English on contemporary usage.
3.4 Morphology: This chapter analyzes unique word-formation processes in Australia, such as the frequent use of reduplication and specific suffixes.
3.5 Syntax: This chapter examines syntactic structures in Australian English, noting similarities to British English while identifying specific 'Australian' usages, such as concord with sports team names.
4. Variations of Australian English – The major dialects: This chapter classifies Australian English into three main sociolects—Broad, General, and Cultivated—based on surveys conducted by Mitchell, Delbridge, and Horvath.
5. Conclusion: This chapter synthesizes the findings, reaffirming the national uniformity of the language and summarizing the key linguistic factors that distinguish Australian English.
7. Appendix: “Men at Work – Down Under”: This section provides the lyrics to the song that inspired the paper’s investigation into Australian identity through language.
Keywords
Australian English, AusE, Phonology, Morphology, Syntax, Lexicon, Sociolects, Broad Australian, General Australian, Cultivated Australian, High Rising Tone, Linguistic Uniformity, Aboriginal borrowings, Historical linguistics, Dialectology
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the primary subject of this paper?
The paper provides a linguistic analysis of Australian English, focusing on its distinct national characteristics, historical formation, and contemporary usage.
What are the central themes discussed in this work?
The work covers the phonological system, morphological word-formation, lexical influences from indigenous and international sources, and the major sociolects found in Australia.
What is the core objective or research question?
The primary goal is to summarize the most important linguistic features of modern Australian English and to explain why the language remains remarkably uniform despite the country's large size.
Which scientific methods were employed?
The author synthesizes established research and surveys—including those by Mitchell, Delbridge, and Horvath—to analyze the evolution and current state of Australian English.
What topics are covered in the main section?
The main section investigates the historical roots of the language, detailed linguistic features (phonology, syntax, lexicon, morphology), and a classification of the three major Australian sociolects.
Which keywords best characterize this research?
Key terms include Australian English (AusE), phonology, sociolects, High Rising Tone, historical linguistics, and morphological word-formation.
How is the "High Rising Tone" described?
It is an Australian intonation pattern characterized by a rising pitch at the end of declarative sentences or phrases, often colloquially called 'Australian Questioning Intonation'.
What are the three major sociolects mentioned?
The work identifies them as Broad, General, and Cultivated Australian, noting that these are sociolects rather than distinct regional dialects.
What influence does the history of Australia have on its language?
Historical factors like the 'classless' nature of early penal colonies and the high mobility during the Gold Rushes helped facilitate the rapid development of a uniform, national language.
How does the lexicon of Australian English change over time?
The lexicon is dynamic; it was historically shaped by Aboriginal terms and convict slang, while contemporary usage is increasingly influenced by American English through media.
- Quote paper
- Jan Marschner (Author), 2010, English in Australia, Munich, GRIN Verlag, https://www.grin.com/document/204431
