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
3. Estuary English
3.1 What is Estuary English?
3.2 Influences on Estuary English
3.2.1 Received Pronounciation
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
Objectives and Topics
This academic paper aims to examine the linguistic relationship between the traditional dialect Cockney and the modern variety known as Estuary English, specifically investigating to what extent Cockney has influenced the development and characteristics of this newer accent.
- Historical development and linguistic features of Cockney.
- Definition and influential sources of Estuary English.
- Comparative analysis of linguistic status and social perception.
- The role of street credibility in the adoption of language varieties.
- Geographic and social expansion of Estuary English in modern society.
Excerpt from the book
2.2.1 Phonetic features
H- Dropping: A typical Cockney feature is marked by “dropping your haitches” which results in pronounciations such as ´alf, ´at or ´imself. (half, hat, himself).
Th- Fronting: Both voiced and voiceless form of th /θ/ are frequently replaced by v /v/ and f /f/. Consequently, bother becomes [bo və]; [mæfs] stands for maths. Words like thistle, thing, thought, bath and ether are pronounced differently from words such as this, there, them, other and bathe. The th /θ/ in the first group is replaced by /f/, the the th /θ/ in the second group by /v/.
Labiodental approximant: Often this realisation of /r/ is used in contrast to the alveolar approximant that is typical in RP. Consequently, this realisation of /r/ often sounds like /w/.
Vocalisation of dark /l/: The dark /l/ as in milk is vocalised after vocals , resulting in a sound like /U / and thus pronounciations such as /miUk/ occur.
Glottal stop for /t/ in intervocalic or word-final position: This once Cockney- typical feature has found its way into a more widely used pronounciation. The /t/ is not pronounced but replaced by a stop. Thus, the sentence What a lot of little bottles would sound [w ? l ? li?u b ?uz]. Even Tony Blair was already said to have used this feature.
Summary of Chapters
1. Introduction: This chapter introduces the scope of the comparison between Cockney and Estuary English and outlines the research methodology.
2. Cockney: This chapter provides a historical account of Cockney, detailing its phonetics, grammar, and the unique tradition of Rhyming Slang.
3. Estuary English: This chapter examines the definition of Estuary English, its relationship to Received Pronunciation, and its ongoing geographic and social expansion.
4. Comparison: This chapter contrasts the two varieties based on their linguistic status, social perception, and the role of class affiliation.
Keywords
Cockney, Estuary English, Received Pronunciation, Dialect, Accent, Phonetics, Grammar, Rhyming Slang, Social Perception, Linguistic Variation, Language Change, Home Counties, Street Credibility, Sociolinguistics
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the core focus of this research paper?
The paper explores the relationship between the traditional London dialect, Cockney, and the more contemporary accent known as Estuary English, analyzing how the former influenced the latter.
What are the primary thematic areas explored?
The study covers historical backgrounds, phonological and grammatical features, social perceptions, and the geographic/social expansion of these language varieties.
What is the primary goal of the author?
The goal is to determine the extent to which Cockney has served as a reference dialect and contributed to the formation of Estuary English.
Which methodology does the author employ?
The author relies on a critical analysis of existing linguistic texts, ranging from early studies by Rosewarne to more recent sociophonetic research by linguists like Altendorf and Przedlacka.
What is covered in the main section of the paper?
The main body is divided into two major parts: a detailed breakdown of Cockney's unique features and a comprehensive analysis of the definition, features, and social spread of Estuary English.
Which keywords characterize the work?
Key terms include linguistic variation, sociolinguistics, dialect, Estuary English, Cockney, phonetics, and social perception.
How does the paper differentiate between a dialect and an accent?
The author discusses these terms in the context of Cockney, noting that Cockney is a full dialect with morphological and syntactic markers, whereas Estuary English is characterized primarily as an accent with variable features.
What role does "street credibility" play in the author's argument?
The author identifies "street credibility" as a crucial factor for younger generations choosing to adopt Estuary English, as it allows them to maintain a sense of coolness while avoiding the stigmatization often associated with traditional Cockney.
Does the author believe Estuary English will become the new Received Pronunciation (RP)?
The author expresses skepticism regarding the claim that Estuary English will become the "new RP," but concludes that its existence and growing influence as a modern accent are undeniable.
- Quote paper
- Silja Recknagel (Author), 2006, Cockney and Estuary English. A comparison, Munich, GRIN Verlag, https://www.grin.com/document/68367
