This research paper is a review of Lippi-Green's book on American Accents. It simultaneously covers geographical accents as well as social and cultral accents within the United States. It finishes with a theoretical position and points of critique by the author.
Inhaltsverzeichnis (Table of Contents)
- Introduction
- Summary
- Conclusion
Zielsetzung und Themenschwerpunkte (Objectives and Key Themes)
The main objective of this work is to deconstruct the myths surrounding standard language ideologies (SLI) and their role in perpetuating social inequalities. The book aims to raise awareness of language discrimination and its impact on individuals and society. It achieves this by examining how language myths are disseminated and how SLI influences people's beliefs and behaviors.
- Standard Language Ideology (SLI) and its impact on social inequality.
- The myth of a "non-accent" and the social construction of linguistic norms.
- Language variation and change as natural processes, not indicators of inferiority.
- The role of language authorities (e.g., lexicographers) in perpetuating SLI.
- The mechanisms of language subordination and the social consequences of linguistic discrimination.
Zusammenfassung der Kapitel (Chapter Summaries)
Introduction: This introduction sets the stage for Lippi-Green's exploration of standard language ideologies (SLI) and their impact on accent perception and discrimination in the United States. It highlights the significant expansion and updating of the book's content since its first edition, emphasizing the thorough research and multiple sources used. The introduction establishes the book's goal to challenge readers' pre-conceived notions about language, demonstrating that SLI affects individuals across all demographics. The book is presented as accessible to both linguistic scholars and the general public, aiming to foster objective understanding of language and its social implications.
Summary: This section provides an overview of chapters 1-6, summarizing their core arguments. It frames these chapters as a process of deconstructing the layers of language myths and the power of SLI. The book utilizes examples from American pop culture and introduces five linguistic facts: languages change, all languages are equal linguistically, grammaticality and communicative effectiveness are distinct, written and spoken language differ fundamentally, and variation is intrinsic to language and mostly symbolic. The summary emphasizes how the book moves beyond simply dispelling language myths to examining their role in creating social inequality. Key topics such as regional variation in the United States (including the Northern Cities Chain Shift), the social and linguistic factors influencing language change, and the labeling of dialects as "substandard" and their consequences are introduced, highlighting the book's accessibility for non-linguistics readers. Finally, the "Sound House" analogy is mentioned as a key element in explaining accent development and adaptation within social contexts.
Schlüsselwörter (Keywords)
Standard Language Ideology (SLI), language discrimination, accent prejudice, language variation, language myths, social inequality, linguistic relativity, language subordination, American dialects, language attitudes.
Lippi-Green's "English with an Accent": A Comprehensive FAQ
What is the main objective of Lippi-Green's book?
The primary objective is to deconstruct the myths surrounding Standard Language Ideology (SLI) and its role in perpetuating social inequalities. The book aims to raise awareness of language discrimination and its impact on individuals and society by examining how language myths are spread and how SLI influences beliefs and behaviors.
What are the key themes explored in the book?
Key themes include the impact of SLI on social inequality; the myth of a "non-accent" and the social construction of linguistic norms; language variation and change as natural processes; the role of language authorities in perpetuating SLI; and the mechanisms of language subordination and the consequences of linguistic discrimination.
What does the book cover in its introduction?
The introduction sets the stage for the exploration of SLI and its impact on accent perception and discrimination. It highlights the book's updated content, research, and sources. It aims to challenge readers' preconceived notions about language and demonstrates how SLI affects individuals across all demographics. The introduction emphasizes the book's accessibility to both linguistic scholars and the general public.
What is covered in the chapter summaries?
The summary section provides an overview of the core arguments in chapters 1-6, framing them as a process of deconstructing language myths and the power of SLI. It uses examples from American pop culture and introduces five linguistic facts: languages change, all languages are equal linguistically, grammaticality and communicative effectiveness are distinct, written and spoken language differ fundamentally, and variation is intrinsic to language and mostly symbolic. The summary emphasizes the book's move beyond dispelling myths to examining their role in creating social inequality. It highlights topics such as regional variation in the US, factors influencing language change, and the labeling of dialects as "substandard". The "Sound House" analogy is mentioned as a key element in explaining accent development and adaptation.
What are the key words associated with the book?
Key words include Standard Language Ideology (SLI), language discrimination, accent prejudice, language variation, language myths, social inequality, linguistic relativity, language subordination, American dialects, and language attitudes.
What is the structure of the book preview?
This preview provides a comprehensive overview, including the title, table of contents, objectives and key themes, chapter summaries, and key words.
Who is the intended audience of this book?
The book is designed to be accessible to both linguistic scholars and the general public, aiming to foster an objective understanding of language and its social implications.
What is the "Sound House" analogy?
The "Sound House" analogy is a key element used to explain accent development and adaptation within social contexts (mentioned in the chapter summary). More detail would require reading the full text.
- Quote paper
- Laura Götz (Author), 2016, Review of "English with an Accent: Language, Ideology, and Discrimination in the United States" by Lippi-Green, Munich, GRIN Verlag, https://www.grin.com/document/368975
