Theoretical models and statistical modelling of linguistic epicentres

Abstract

Motivated by a fundamental discussion of the relation between theoretical and statistical modelling, the present paper takes stock of the research history of linguistic epicentres in the world Englishes paradigm and seeks to provide suggestions for future epicentral studies. Based on a review of earlier research into potential epicentral constellations, we provide an overview of the genesis of the concept of linguistic epicentres, describe different methodological approaches that have been chosen and/or recommended for their study and provide statistical comments. With a view to future epicentral research, we aim at (i) refining the theoretical construct of linguistic epicentres, (ii) suggesting empirical methods that allow identifying epicentral constellations more reliably than in the past and (iii) making statistical recommendations particularly relevant to epicentral research.

Future‐time reference in world Englishes

“…As the analysis below will show, this is far from the case. The data invite attention to underlying similarities in linguistic structure even in the face of surface‐level frequency differences, in line with general insights from variationist sociolinguistics (e.g., Tagliamonte, 2012) as well as recent arguments about modeling relationships among world Englishes specifically (Bernaisch et al., 2022).…”

Interview with Rajend Mesthrie

“…There are many reasons for re-examining the idea of nationally bounded Englishes: a re-examination of substrate influence; internet cultures which are not nationally bounded; corpus projects which are supra-regional rather than national (cf. Bernaisch's [2023] plenary about epicentres at this conference). How do you think about these developments?…”