First and second wave sociolinguistic studies of
Rhoticity is highly variable across English varieties. Traditionally, descriptions of English have distinguished between “rhotic” and “non-rhotic” varieties. However, Harris’s (2013) recent description of three core rhotic systems (R1, R2 and R3) demonstrates that this dichotomy is overly simplistic. The literature describes New Zealand English (NZE) as “non-rhotic”, with partial rhoticity in the lower South Island. This paper reports on data collected in two semi-rural towns in the North Island where young New Zealanders employ a “mixed” distribution of rhoticity. Alongside /r/ use which is traditionally associated with “non-rhotic” varieties (Harris’s R2 and R3), speakers also exhibit /r/ use which is associated with “rhotic” varieties (Harris’s R1). The findings suggest that dynamic rhoticity in NZE, which also persists historically in Englishes world-wide, can be represented more effectively by dispensing with the notions “rhotic” and “non-rhotic”, and by treating rhoticity as a continuum of /r/ use.
<p>This thesis addresses the ongoing evolution of New Zealand English phonology. In particular it explores the links between phonological variation and the social identities of speakers. The thesis investigates the possible emergence of regional dialects in the ongoing development of the variety. The investigation contributes to theories of dialect development, especially in relation to linguistic varieties described as “postcolonial” English. Since the onset of linguistic research on New Zealand English, scholars have highlighted the remarkable geographical uniformity of the variety. However, recent research concerning the development of postcolonial Englishes suggests that regional diversity is inevitable, but that its occurrence is tied to the construction of sociocultural identities. In this thesis I apply a holistic approach to investigating phonological variation and the construction of regional identities in modern New Zealand English. My aim in this thesis is twofold: firstly, to investigate current trends in 21st century New Zealand English phonology and secondly, to gain insights into the linguistic, social and cultural processes associated with the birth of new regional dialects. I view the ongoing evolution of Englishes as involving a composite of wide-ranging factors from the linguistic, historical, social, cultural and ideological domains. In order to address the full complexities of the issues I track variation and change in one influential and important dimension of English phonological systems: rhoticity. I explore the social life of this variable throughout the history of the English language since the 17th century and investigate in detail its manifestation in the speech of 21st century New Zealand teenagers. I consider evidence for contemporary regional diversification by comparing variation in rhoticity in two distinct New Zealand locations; a small rural community in the lower North Island and a small rural community further north in the central North Island. I take a social constructionist approach, paying close attention to local contexts and speakers‟ constructions of their local identities. Quantitative and qualitative approaches to the analysis of the data are utilised. Observations of general trends in rhoticity in modern New Zealand English are enhanced through the examination of the social meanings underlying individual linguistic behaviour. The findings demonstrate the historical and inherent variability of /r/ and reveal changes underway in modern New Zealand English rhoticity. The findings suggest that change involving linking /r/ is associated with a combination of social identity and attitudinal issues. The analysis of non-pre-vocalic /r/ demonstrates the value of exploring innovative features during their onset of use. The findings suggest that the onset of increasing non-pre-vocalic /r/ use in modern New Zealand English may be involved in the utilisation of globally accessible phonological features in the construction of both locally and globally relevant identities. The thesis identifies geographical mobility, transience and changing ethnolinguistic diversity as key factors in ongoing dialect developments in New Zealand English. It concludes that the emergence of ethnically-based identities may hold significance for the emergence of localised identities. The absence of distinctive regional linguistic varieties reflects the absence of recognised regional identities, but the thesis provides tentative evidence that evolving identity constructions in 21st century New Zealand may fuel regional diversification.</p>
scite is a Brooklyn-based organization that helps researchers better discover and understand research articles through Smart Citations–citations that display the context of the citation and describe whether the article provides supporting or contrasting evidence. scite is used by students and researchers from around the world and is funded in part by the National Science Foundation and the National Institute on Drug Abuse of the National Institutes of Health.
hi@scite.ai
10624 S. Eastern Ave., Ste. A-614
Henderson, NV 89052, USA
Copyright © 2024 scite LLC. All rights reserved.
Made with 💙 for researchers
Part of the Research Solutions Family.