The Welsh language has been in contact with English for many centuries. After the Celtic languages were forced out of central Europe during the age of the Roman Empire two branches developed: Goidelic (or Q Celtic) and Brittonic (or P Celtic), with Welsh belonging to the Brittonic branch. Since the fifth century Welsh has been under pressure as other Germanic-speaking tribes such as the Angles and Saxons arrived in Britain. The Welsh speaking population had to relocate in the area we today call Wales. What followed was a long process of anglicisation.
Table of Contents
- I. Introduction
- Historical Background: Welsh and English in contact
- II. The phonological system
- II.1 Vowels
- II.1.1 Short and Long Vowels
Objectives and Key Themes
This work aims to explore the phonology of Welsh English and analyze the influence of the Welsh language on its development. The study focuses on the historical context of language contact between Welsh and English, examining the impact of various historical events on the evolution of Welsh English. It also investigates the phonological system of Welsh English, comparing different regional variations and identifying key features influenced by Welsh.
- Historical contact between Welsh and English
- The impact of historical events on language evolution
- Regional variations in Welsh English phonology
- Influence of Welsh on the phonology of Welsh English
- Comparison of Welsh English phonology with Received Pronunciation (RP)
Chapter Summaries
I. Introduction: This introductory chapter provides a historical overview of the contact between the Welsh and English languages. It details the long history of interaction, starting from the arrival of Germanic tribes and continuing through the Norman invasion, the Acts of Union, and the impact of industrialization and education policies. The chapter highlights the complex interplay of societal pressures, political events, and economic factors that shaped the evolution of Welsh English, particularly noting the periods of both decline and revival of the Welsh language. It sets the stage for the following analysis by establishing the crucial historical backdrop that has contributed to the current state of Welsh English.
II. The phonological system: This chapter delves into the phonological system of Welsh English, acknowledging the significant regional variations. It distinguishes between a "southern" model, characterized by stronger anglicization, and a "northern" model, exhibiting greater influence from contemporary Welsh. The chapter explains the varying degrees of influence from both English and Welsh, particularly focusing on the "southern" model due to its prevalence. This section lays the groundwork for a detailed examination of vowel sounds in the following sub-sections, emphasizing the importance of understanding regional diversity within Welsh English phonology. It also clearly indicates the focus on the southern model for subsequent analysis while acknowledging the existence and relevance of the northern model.
II.1 Vowels: This section begins the detailed analysis of vowel sounds in Welsh English. It introduces a table of Welsh English vowels, establishing a framework for comparing them to other varieties of English. The chapter proceeds to explore specific vowel sounds, such as /ɪ/, /ɛ/, and /ɒ/, detailing their pronunciation in different regions of Wales and highlighting the influence of Welsh on their usage. Through specific examples (e.g., the pronunciation of "pit" and "bet"), the chapter systematically explores the variations in vowel sounds and their relationship to the broader historical context described in the introduction and the overall regional variation in phonology.
Keywords
Welsh English, phonology, language contact, historical linguistics, regional variation, anglicisation, Welsh language influence, Received Pronunciation (RP), vowel sounds, bilingualism.
Frequently Asked Questions: A Comprehensive Language Preview of Welsh English Phonology
What is the focus of this language preview?
This preview offers a comprehensive overview of Welsh English phonology. It covers the historical background of Welsh and English language contact, the objectives and key themes of the study, chapter summaries, and keywords. The main focus is on analyzing the influence of the Welsh language on the phonology of Welsh English, particularly examining regional variations and comparing them to Received Pronunciation (RP).
What historical context is considered?
The preview explores the historical context of Welsh and English language contact, tracing it from the arrival of Germanic tribes through major historical events such as the Norman invasion, the Acts of Union, and the impact of industrialization and education policies. The interplay of societal, political, and economic factors shaping the evolution of Welsh English is highlighted, noting periods of both decline and revival of the Welsh language.
What are the key themes and objectives of the study?
The study aims to analyze the influence of the Welsh language on the development of Welsh English phonology. Key themes include the historical contact between Welsh and English, the impact of historical events on language evolution, regional variations in Welsh English phonology, the influence of Welsh on its phonology, and a comparison of Welsh English phonology with Received Pronunciation (RP).
How are regional variations in Welsh English addressed?
The preview acknowledges significant regional variations in Welsh English phonology, distinguishing between a "southern" model (stronger anglicization) and a "northern" model (greater influence from contemporary Welsh). The analysis primarily focuses on the "southern" model due to its prevalence, while acknowledging the existence and relevance of the northern model.
What aspects of phonology are examined in detail?
The preview delves into the phonological system of Welsh English, with a detailed examination of vowel sounds. Specific vowel sounds, such as /ɪ/, /ɛ/, and /ɒ/, are analyzed, detailing their pronunciation in different regions of Wales and highlighting the influence of Welsh on their usage. The analysis uses specific examples to illustrate variations in vowel sounds.
What are the key chapters and their summaries?
The preview includes summaries of the following chapters:
- Chapter I: Introduction: Provides a historical overview of Welsh-English language contact.
- Chapter II: The phonological system: Explores the phonological system of Welsh English, highlighting regional variations and the influence of both English and Welsh.
- Chapter II.1 Vowels: Details the analysis of vowel sounds in Welsh English, comparing them to other varieties and highlighting regional variations and Welsh influence.
What are the keywords associated with this study?
Keywords include: Welsh English, phonology, language contact, historical linguistics, regional variation, anglicisation, Welsh language influence, Received Pronunciation (RP), vowel sounds, and bilingualism.
- Arbeit zitieren
- Micha Luther (Autor:in), 2011, The Phonology of Welsh English: Influence from Welsh, München, GRIN Verlag, https://www.grin.com/document/283191
