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- Title
Canadian English: a Conservative Variety?
- Authors
DOLLINGER, STEFAN
- Abstract
This paper aims to assess whether Canadian English (CanE) can be considered a conservative variety of English. As the question is profoundly general, only partial answers can be expected. Theories on the origins of CanE and notions of colonial lag offer a starting point that is complemented with questions of linguistic autonomy v/s. heteronomy. Variables from morphology/syntax, phonetics, and select vocabulary items offer test cases for assessment. A central role is afforded to the methodological problems of assessment on a dine from conservative to progressive. It will be shown that most statements on the general conservative/progressive character of CanE must be treated as opinions based on selective evidence and not as unassailable assessments based on hard facts.
- Subjects
CANADA; AMERICA; CANADIAN English language; ENGLISH language -- Variation; LINGUISTIC change; ENGLISH phonology; ENGLISH phonetics; HISTORICAL lexicology; BRITISH colonies; AMERICAN loyalists; UNITED Empire loyalists; BLOOMFIELD, Morton W. (Morton Wilfred), 1913-1987; HISTORY; EMIGRATION &; immigration
- Publication
Zeitschrift für Kanada-Studien, 2015, Vol 35, Issue 1, p25
- ISSN
0944-7008
- Publication type
Article