The Standard in South African English and its Social History
Authors
This study of the South African variety of English is an exercise in the sociology of language conducted mainly within the conceptual framework and methodology created by William Labov. It accepts that social process and social structure are reflected in patterns of covariation involving linguistic and social variables, and in attitudes to different varieties of speech within the community. This premise is pursued here in its historical implications: linguistuic evidence in present-day speech patterns of earlier states of the society and of the social, political and cultural changes that have brought about the present state. The second main focus in this volume is directed at the concept of ‘standard variety’, that is the social attributes and functions of a formal speech pattern for which the status of standard might be claimed.
[Varieties of English Around the World, G1] 1979. 96 pp.
Publishing status: Available | Original publisher: Julius Groos Verlag
© John Benjamins Publishing Company
Table of Contents
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Introduction and Background: The English language in South Africa | p. 9
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First observations on the standard in South African English | p. 19
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The speech community | p. 21
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The Linguistic variable, data-gathering techniques | p. 32
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Lectal varieties in SAE | p. 34
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Properties of a standard variable | p. 51
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Formal and informal standards | p. 64
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The social history of the SAE community | p. 71
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The provincial (informal) standard in SAE | p. 80
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The social significance of the provincial standard | p. 88
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Postscript: A comparison with Australia | p. 90
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Subjects
Main BIC Subject
CF: Linguistics
Main BISAC Subject
LAN009000: LANGUAGE ARTS & DISCIPLINES / Linguistics / General