This paper aims at giving an overview on the two topics that will be briefly compared at its end: Cockney on the one hand and Estuary English on the other.
This comparison and combination results from the question in how far Cockney as one of the two main reference dialects of Estuary English has influenced this rather new accent which recently has gained a lot of public attention.
First, a historic account on Cockney is given as well as an overview on its specific phonetic and grammatical features. Finally, its social perception is elaborated.
Secondly it is attempted to explain to which phenomena the term Estuary English refers to. In this context, the two influential reference sources are discussed:RP and Cockney at antipodal ends. Furthermore some syntactic and phonetic features of Estuary English are listed. Furthermore, the geographical as well as the social expansion of Estuary English is illustrated.
Finally, a brief comparison of Estuary English and Cockney in terms of linguistic status, acceptability, mobility as well as social perception is given.
The research on Estuary English is based on two different sorts of texts: On the one hand the advanced layman Rosewarne, who coined the term Estuary English in the first place and who even claims that it could possibly become the new RP, was consulted. On the other hand critical, more recent texts by two linguists served as sources: Ulrike Altendorf´s and Joanna Przedlacka´s studies, which investigate if a definite Estuary English exists in general.
Table of Contents
- 1. Introduction
- 2. Cockney
- 2.1 Brief historic overview on Cockney
- 2.1.1 Dialect or accent
- 2.2 Overview on the most prominent features of Cockney
- 2.2.1 Phonetic features
- 2.2.2 Grammatical features
- 2.2.3 Rhyming Slang
- 2.3 Social perception
- 2.4 Conclusion
- 2.1 Brief historic overview on Cockney
- 3. Estuary English
- 3.1 What is Estuary English?
- 3.2 Influences on Estuary English
- 3.2.1 Received Pronunciation
- 3.3 Typical features of EE
- 3.3.1 Lexical features
- 3.3.2 Phonetic features
- 3.4 Expansion of EE
- 3.4.1 Geographic expansion of EE
- 3.4.2 Social expansion
- 3.5 Conclusion
- 4. Comparison
- 5. References
Objectives and Key Themes
This essay aims to provide an overview of Cockney and Estuary English, comparing their relationship, specifically how Cockney, as a main reference dialect, has influenced the development of Estuary English. The analysis will explore the historical context, phonetic and grammatical features, and social perception of both dialects.
- Historical development of Cockney and Estuary English
- Distinctive phonetic and grammatical features of both dialects
- The influence of Cockney on Estuary English
- Social perceptions and acceptance of Cockney and Estuary English
- Geographic and social expansion of Estuary English
Chapter Summaries
2. Cockney: This chapter delves into the historical background of Cockney, tracing its origins and evolution from its traditional definition – the speech of those born within earshot of Bow Bells in London – to its broader contemporary usage encompassing the Home Counties. It explores the etymological debates surrounding the word "Cockney," considering various interpretations. The chapter then examines its phonetic and grammatical characteristics, shedding light on the linguistic features that define Cockney. Finally, it discusses the social perception of Cockney, acknowledging its historical association with working-class Londoners and its current standing in society.
3. Estuary English: This chapter defines Estuary English (EE), investigating its linguistic influences, primarily Received Pronunciation (RP) and Cockney, which represent opposing ends of a spectrum. The chapter identifies and describes the characteristic lexical and phonetic features of EE, differentiating it from its constituent dialects. A key aspect of the chapter is its exploration of the geographic and social expansion of EE, analyzing how it has spread both geographically and across different social strata, considering factors contributing to its increasing prevalence.
Keywords
Cockney, Estuary English, Received Pronunciation (RP), dialect, accent, sociolinguistics, linguistic variation, phonetic features, grammatical features, social perception, geographic expansion, language change.
Frequently Asked Questions: A Comprehensive Language Preview of Cockney and Estuary English
What is the main focus of this text?
This text provides a comprehensive overview of Cockney and Estuary English, focusing on their relationship, particularly how Cockney has influenced the development of Estuary English. It analyzes their historical context, phonetic and grammatical features, and social perceptions.
What topics are covered in the "Cockney" chapter?
The Cockney chapter explores the historical background of Cockney, tracing its origins and evolution. It examines etymological debates surrounding the word "Cockney," investigates its phonetic and grammatical characteristics, and discusses its social perception, including its historical association with the working class and its current standing.
What topics are covered in the "Estuary English" chapter?
The Estuary English chapter defines Estuary English, examining its linguistic influences (primarily Received Pronunciation and Cockney). It identifies and describes its lexical and phonetic features, and analyzes its geographic and social expansion, considering factors contributing to its increasing prevalence.
What is the relationship between Cockney and Estuary English, according to this text?
The text posits that Cockney, as a main reference dialect, has significantly influenced the development of Estuary English. It explores this influence through the analysis of historical context, shared and differing linguistic features, and the social factors impacting their spread.
What linguistic features are analyzed in the text?
The text analyzes both phonetic and grammatical features of Cockney and Estuary English. Specific features discussed include pronunciation variations, grammatical structures, and lexical choices. The comparison highlights both similarities and differences between the two dialects.
What is the significance of Received Pronunciation (RP) in this context?
Received Pronunciation (RP) is presented as a key influence, particularly on Estuary English. The text examines how RP, along with Cockney, shapes the characteristics of Estuary English, highlighting the interplay between these different accents and dialects.
What is the social perception of Cockney and Estuary English, as discussed in the text?
The text addresses the social perceptions and acceptance of both Cockney and Estuary English, acknowledging their historical and contemporary social connotations and how these perceptions have evolved over time.
What are the key themes explored in this text?
Key themes include the historical development of Cockney and Estuary English, their distinctive phonetic and grammatical features, the influence of Cockney on Estuary English, social perceptions and acceptance, and the geographic and social expansion of Estuary English.
What are the chapter summaries provided in the text?
The chapter summaries provide concise overviews of the content covered in the "Cockney" and "Estuary English" chapters, highlighting the key points and findings of each section.
What keywords are associated with this text?
Keywords include Cockney, Estuary English, Received Pronunciation (RP), dialect, accent, sociolinguistics, linguistic variation, phonetic features, grammatical features, social perception, geographic expansion, and language change.
- Quote paper
- Silja Recknagel (Author), 2006, Cockney and Estuary English. A comparison, Munich, GRIN Verlag, https://www.grin.com/document/68367
