“The Geordie nation – that‘s what we‘re fighting for. London‘s the enemy. The south-east‘s the enemy. You exploit us, you use us, you take everything you can from us but never recognise our existence.“ (Sir John Hall in The Independent 21.06.1994, cited by Watt 2002: 55)
This quotation by the former chairman of Newcastle United Football Club Sir John Hall serves as the basis for the observations dealt with in this paper where it is the aim to investigate the Geordie dialect. Football is firmly established on the Tyneside and has a clear connection to both identity and language. A particular focus will lie on the dialect levelling in the Geordie area as well as on phonological features in Northern England in general. Moreover, historical facts concerning the Tyneside and a classification of Geordie will be embedded in this work. Hence, latest studies of linguistic researchers will be included and evaluated to show common ground as well as differences regarding to social class and gender. Here, an empirical study of variants of FACE and GOAT vowels helps to understand the process of contact-induced levelling.
Table of Contents
- 1. Introduction
- 2. Geordie - a stigmatized dialect?
- 2.1 What is (a) Geordie? A brief classification
- 2.1.1 Historical background
- 2.1.2 Dialect Contact on Tyneside
- 2.1.3 Phonological Features of Northern English
- 2.2 Dialect levelling and diffusion
- 3. Case Study: FACE and GOAT vowels
- 3.1 Results of the study
- 3.2 Geordie Features: The Burr // and the unshifted Middle English /u:/
- 4. Otherness of the Geordies - a question of identity?
- 5. Conclusion and Outlook
Objectives and Key Themes
This paper investigates the Geordie dialect, focusing on dialect leveling in the Geordie area and phonological features in Northern England. It examines the historical background of Tyneside English, classifies Geordie, and explores the relationship between language and social/regional identity. An empirical study of FACE and GOAT vowels helps to understand contact-induced leveling and its connection to social class and gender.
- Classification and historical development of the Geordie dialect.
- Dialect leveling and diffusion in the Tyneside region.
- Phonological features of Northern English, specifically focusing on the FACE and GOAT vowels.
- The relationship between language use, social class, and regional identity in the Geordie community.
- The social stigma associated with the Geordie dialect.
Chapter Summaries
1. Introduction: This introductory chapter sets the stage by quoting Sir John Hall, highlighting the connection between football, identity, and language in Tyneside. It outlines the paper's aim to investigate Geordie dialect, focusing on dialect leveling, phonological features, historical context, and the relationship between language and identity. The chapter establishes the ambiguous status of Geordie, its stigmatized nature, and the connection between the spoken language and the awareness of being "a Geordie." It previews the study's approach to examining social class and gender within the context of linguistic change in Tyneside.
2. Geordie - a stigmatized dialect?: This chapter begins by distinguishing between dialect and accent. It then defines "Geordie," clarifying the geographical area and the discrepancy regarding its boundaries. The chapter discusses the historical context of Tyneside English, emphasizing its relative ethnic uniformity and the impact of the Industrial Revolution on its linguistic landscape. It explores the influx of immigrants from various parts of the UK and Ireland, highlighting how this influx contributed to the creation of a mixed linguistic stock in the region. The chapter sets the stage for later analyses by briefly discussing the etymology of "Geordie" and the influence of dialect contact on Tyneside.
3. Case Study: FACE and GOAT vowels: This chapter presents an empirical study focusing on the FACE and GOAT vowels to illustrate the processes of contact-induced leveling. While details of the methodology and specific results are not provided in this preview, the chapter summary would comprehensively address the findings regarding the variations in these vowels, connecting them to the overarching themes of dialect leveling and the social factors influencing linguistic change. The chapter's analysis would incorporate discussions of the "Burr" and the unshifted Middle English /u:/, relating them to the observed patterns in the FACE and GOAT vowels, placing them within the context of the larger themes of the study.
4. Otherness of the Geordies - a question of identity?: This chapter delves into the complexities of Geordie identity, exploring how the dialect contributes to a sense of otherness and community. It would examine the sociolinguistic aspects of language use and how speakers negotiate their identity through language, considering the historical and social factors influencing perceptions of the Geordie dialect and community. It would be expected to use evidence and examples from throughout the text to build a comprehensive argument relating dialect to identity and exploring its impact on social perceptions and interactions. A chapter summary would fully explore and connect the findings of the previous chapters, discussing the observed linguistic features, social dynamics, and their impact on the formation and maintenance of Geordie identity.
Keywords
Geordie dialect, Tyneside English, dialect leveling, phonological features, Northern English, social identity, regional identity, linguistic variation, contact-induced change, FACE and GOAT vowels, social class, gender.
Frequently Asked Questions: A Comprehensive Language Preview of Geordie Dialect
What is the main focus of this language preview?
This preview comprehensively examines the Geordie dialect, focusing on its historical development, phonological features, dialect leveling, and the relationship between language and social/regional identity in the Tyneside area of Northern England. It includes a table of contents, objectives and key themes, chapter summaries, and keywords.
What are the key themes explored in the preview?
The key themes include the classification and historical development of the Geordie dialect; dialect leveling and diffusion in Tyneside; phonological features of Northern English, particularly the FACE and GOAT vowels; the connection between language use, social class, and regional identity; and the social stigma associated with the Geordie dialect.
What specific linguistic features are analyzed?
The preview focuses on phonological features of Northern English, with a detailed case study analyzing the FACE and GOAT vowels. It also explores the "Burr" and the unshifted Middle English /u:/ sounds within the Geordie dialect.
What is the historical context considered?
The preview examines the historical background of Tyneside English, including its relative ethnic uniformity, the impact of the Industrial Revolution, and the influx of immigrants from various parts of the UK and Ireland, which contributed to the development of the mixed linguistic stock in the region.
How does the preview address social and regional identity?
The preview explores the relationship between language use and social/regional identity. It investigates how the Geordie dialect contributes to a sense of community and otherness, and how speakers negotiate their identity through their language use. The influence of social class and gender on linguistic change is also considered.
What methodology is used in the preview?
While specific methodological details aren't provided in this preview, it mentions an empirical study focusing on the FACE and GOAT vowels to illustrate contact-induced leveling. The study likely involves data collection and analysis to explore the variations in these vowels and their connection to social factors.
What are the chapter summaries about?
The chapter summaries provide concise overviews of each chapter's content. Chapter 1 introduces the topic and the study's aims; Chapter 2 defines Geordie and its historical context; Chapter 3 presents the empirical study of the FACE and GOAT vowels; and Chapter 4 delves into the complexities of Geordie identity. The final chapter offers conclusions and an outlook.
What are the keywords associated with this language preview?
The keywords include Geordie dialect, Tyneside English, dialect leveling, phonological features, Northern English, social identity, regional identity, linguistic variation, contact-induced change, FACE and GOAT vowels, social class, and gender.
What is the overall aim of the study?
The overarching aim is to provide a comprehensive understanding of the Geordie dialect, its historical development, linguistic features, and its connection to social and regional identity in Tyneside, considering factors like dialect leveling, social class, and gender.
Who is the intended audience?
The intended audience is likely academics and researchers interested in sociolinguistics, dialectology, and the study of language variation and change, particularly within the context of the British Isles.
- Arbeit zitieren
- Claudia Haller (Autor:in), 2014, “I am British but I am still a Geordie”. Local Identity in Northern England, München, GRIN Verlag, https://www.grin.com/document/276212
