An Introduction to Regional Englishes: Dialect Variation in England (Edinburgh Textbooks on the English Language) - Softcover

Beal, Joan C

Softcover

ISBN 10: 0748621172 ISBN 13: 9780748621170

Publisher: Edinburgh University Press, 2010

Synopsis

Are the dialects of England disappearing in the wake of globalisation and 'Estuary English', or are geographical differences as strong as ever? Joan Beal looks at recent research into regional variation in England, discusses the evidence for 'dialect levelling' and argues that, despite this, features of dialect are still clear markers of regional and local identity. Chapters outlining the main regional differences in accent, dialect grammar and dialect vocabulary are followed by discussions of research into geographical diffusion, levelling, issues of identity and stereotypes. Each chapter is accompanied by either an exercise based on data provided, a data-gathering exercise using methodological tools provided, or an extract from a media article provided to provoke discussion. The book also includes a guide to resources available for the study of regional dialects in England.

About this title

About the Author

Joan Beal is Professor of English Language at the University of Sheffield

Review

This slender volume, part of the "English Textbooks on the English Language" series, is an excellent introduction to the field of English dialectology. Part of its appeal lies precisely in its compact size, coupled with clarity of presentation. Importantly, each chapter is concluded by a small number of appropriate exercises and suggested activities, as well as a selection of further readings, making the book very valuable for teaching and for independent study. Overall, Beal's book is a very welcome addition to the existing literature on English dialectology. It manages to be rigorous, engaging, and up to date whilst remaining user-friendly, not least because of its manageable size. -- Simone C. Bacchini, British Library, London LINGUIST list This slender volume, part of the "English Textbooks on the English Language" series, is an excellent introduction to the field of English dialectology. Part of its appeal lies precisely in its compact size, coupled with clarity of presentation. Importantly, each chapter is concluded by a small number of appropriate exercises and suggested activities, as well as a selection of further readings, making the book very valuable for teaching and for independent study. Overall, Beal's book is a very welcome addition to the existing literature on English dialectology. It manages to be rigorous, engaging, and up to date whilst remaining user-friendly, not least because of its manageable size.

Edition details

• Publisher: Edinburgh University Press
• Publication date: 2010
• ISBN 10: 0748621172
• ISBN 13: 9780748621170
• Binding: Paperback
• Language: English
• Number of pages: 136