Dialect as a Form of Identity

Type :

Research papers

Pages :

7 pages

Format :

.doc

Published date :

12/07/2007

Category :

Philosophy & literature

Sub category :

Linguistics

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Summary :

Introduction
Dialect defined
Language > Dialect > Idiolect
Characteristics of the upper peninsula and Martha's Vinyard Dialects
Geographical influences on dialect
Possible causes of the decreasing use of dialect as identity
Conclusion
Bibliography

Abstract

Every time a person opens his or her mouth to speak that person is speaking not only a language but a dialect of that language as well. It is a common misconception that only certain people whose pronunciations vary from what is considered Standard American English, speak a dialect. In fact, there are so many different dialects of American English today that it has been said looking at the different varieties is like looking at varieties of the American climate, "how many we find depends on how closely we look." 1
In this paper I would like to take a closer look at one of the common uses of a dialect, namely, the use of a dialect as a form of identity. I would also like to examine factors that could potentially alter whether or not a person continues to use a dialect in this manner. I have previously done some research on the Finnish influenced dialect of English found in the Upper Peninsula of Michigan (2002) and its use as a form of identity and I see many similarities with William Labov's findings regarding dialect as a form of identity on Martha's Vineyard (1962, 1972). However, I have also uncovered some more recent research that indicates this use of the dialect is phasing out on Martha's Vineyard (Josey 2002). This did not appear to be the case in the Upper Peninsula. I will propose that this variation is a result of the differences in population growth and economic structure between the Upper Peninsula and Martha's Vineyard.