I chose to write a term paper on the New Zealand accent because I
plan to travel around the country in the near future. Therefore it is very
interesting for me to know a little bit more about the variety which is spoken
there. While I was reading different books, I learned that New Zealand
English is, on the one hand, a variety which is spoken all over the country
without any regional dialects, but on the same time, there might be a
vernacular that is spoken by the Maoris, the original inhabitants of New
Zealand.
As I would like to get to know the country and its people as well, I
think it would be best to look at both varieties. In this way, I hope to get a
general overview of the situation, for the Maoris are a minority in New
Zealand and their language is in danger of dying out. But as is nearly always
the case when one language is replaced by a second, as was Maori by
English, they will be influenced by each other. Therefore it is my concern to
work out some differences between New Zealand English (NZE) and the
English used by the Maoris (Maori Vernacular English (MVE)).
To have a basis on which I can present these possible findings, I
want to compare the New Zealand accent to RP, which I know best.
The structure of the term paper will be divided into three parts. The first part
will give a general overview of the origin of the New Zealand accent. The
second part will concentrate on the New Zealand accent in comparison to
RP.The focus here will be on the three short front vowels and two
diphthongs which make the New Zealand accent distinctive from other
varieties. The third part will give a short overview of the situation of the
Maori language and will show similarities to and differences from the
general New Zealand accent. In addition, a case study will be looked at to
underline distinctive features.
Table of Contents
0. INTRODUCTION
1. THE NEW ZEALAND ACCENT
2. SHORT VOWELS
2.1 The KIT vowel
2.2 The DRESS and TRAP vowels
2.3 DIPHTHONGS AIR/ EAR
3. MAORI VERNACULAR ENGLISH
3.1 A case study
3.1.1 I-decentralisation
3.1.2 U-fronting
4. CONCLUSION
5. LITERATURE
Objectives and Topics
This academic paper aims to examine the phonetic characteristics of the New Zealand English (NZE) accent in comparison to Received Pronunciation (RP), while also investigating the distinct features of Maori Vernacular English (MVE).
- The phonological analysis of short front vowels in New Zealand English.
- The investigation of the EAR and AIR diphthong merger.
- A comparison between New Zealand English and Maori Vernacular English.
- The exploration of socio-linguistic influences on accent development.
- A case study on I-decentralisation and U-fronting in Maori speech.
Excerpt from the Book
1. THE NEW ZEALAND ACCENT
Where did the New Zealand accent come from? This question has puzzled many people over the last few years. There are some very fanciful common reasons such as those for the nasal quality of New Zealand speech. It was said, for example, that this was the result of a nasal infection of hay fever because of the pollen in the air. Another explanation in New Zealand was that many New Zealanders had ill-fitting false teeth and that they did not dare to open their mouth, for fear, that their teeth might fall out. An even more common reason for the New Zealand accent was that of laziness. It was thought that the children especially made no effort to open their mouths to pronounce each sound distinctively.
There are also two different serious theories, ‘the mixing-bowl theory’ and ‘the single origin theory’. The mixing-bowel theory says that when people move from the country into a city, such as London, they mix their accents and dialects together and thus create a new urban accent. In regard to New Zealand it might have been the same process. Through the colonialisation of the country, dialects from different countries and regional areas have merged and in this way the New Zealand accent has been formed.
Summary of Chapters
0. INTRODUCTION: Outlines the motivation for the study, focusing on the comparison between New Zealand English and Maori Vernacular English in contrast to RP.
1. THE NEW ZEALAND ACCENT: Investigates the origins of the New Zealand accent, evaluating historical theories like the "mixing-bowl" and "single origin" hypotheses.
2. SHORT VOWELS: Provides a detailed phonological analysis of the TRAP, DRESS, and KIT vowels, highlighting their systematic differences from RP.
2.1 The KIT vowel: Discusses the centralisation and lowering of the KIT vowel, examining whether this represents a completed phonological shift.
2.2 The DRESS and TRAP vowels: Analyzes the raising of these vowels and debates whether they form part of a chain shift within the NZE vowel system.
2.3 DIPHTHONGS AIR/ EAR: Examines the tendency towards the merger of these two centring diphthongs, particularly among younger speakers.
3. MAORI VERNACULAR ENGLISH: Investigates the existence of Maori Vernacular English as a distinct variety influenced by the transfer of Maori linguistic features.
3.1 A case study: Uses a quantitative micro-analysis to compare specific phonetic variables between Maori and Pakeha speakers.
3.1.1 I-decentralisation: Explores the maintenance of close front vowel realisations among older, fluent Maori speakers.
3.1.2 U-fronting: Analyzes the fronting of the /u/ sound as a specific characteristic of Maori Vernacular English speech.
4. CONCLUSION: Synthesizes the findings, confirming that while some ethnic features persist, the phonological landscape of New Zealand is in constant flux.
5. LITERATURE: Lists the academic sources and sociolinguistic studies referenced throughout the paper.
Keywords
New Zealand English, RP, Phonology, Vowel Shift, Maori Vernacular English, KIT vowel, DRESS vowel, TRAP vowel, EAR-AIR merger, I-decentralisation, U-fronting, Sociolinguistics, Phonetics, Language Transfer, Dialectology.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the primary focus of this paper?
The paper primarily focuses on the phonetic characteristics of New Zealand English (NZE) and how it compares to Received Pronunciation (RP), as well as the unique features of Maori Vernacular English (MVE).
What are the central themes discussed?
Central themes include vowel shifts, the potential merger of diphthongs, the influence of Maori language on English, and the socio-historical origins of the New Zealand accent.
What is the main research question?
The research explores the phonological differences between NZE and RP and investigates whether MVE can be characterized as a distinct ethnic dialect due to specific vowel realisations.
Which scientific methods are utilized?
The study employs a mix of literature review, analysis of previous sociolinguistic surveys, and a case study approach that examines quantitative phonetic variables in small speaker samples.
What does the main body cover?
The main body covers the development of the NZE accent, the phonological peculiarities of front short vowels and centring diphthongs, and an analysis of Maori Vernacular English features like I-decentralisation.
Which keywords best describe the work?
Key terms include New Zealand English, Phonology, Vowel Shift, Maori Vernacular English, Sociolinguistics, and Dialectology.
How is the KIT vowel unique in New Zealand English?
The KIT vowel in NZE is typically lowered and centralised, often sounding like a schwa or an [u] sound, which serves as a major distinguishing feature from other English varieties.
Why is the "fush-funger" syndrome mentioned?
It refers to the perceived difference in vowel pronunciation where Australians hear New Zealanders saying "fush" for "fish," highlighting the distinct centralisation of the NZE KIT vowel.
- Quote paper
- Ann-Kathleen Kraetzig (Author), 2004, New Zealand Accent in contrast to RP, Munich, GRIN Verlag, https://www.grin.com/document/22473
