Variation and change in the NURSE vowel in Trinidadian English: An apparent-time analysis of adolescent and adult speakers

Meer, Philipp

Research article (book contribution)

Abstract

US American English (AmE) influence has been identified as a potential force in variation and change in postcolonial Englishes. Adolescents are typically not examined in this context despite their crucial role in language variation and change and possibly greater exposure to AmE via digital media. Drawing on sociophonetic data from 65 secondary students and 35 teachers, the present study investigates rhotacization of the NURSE vowel in Trinidadian English (TrinE), an incipient sound change that has previously been linked to younger speakers and AmE influence. The results show that NURSE-rhotacization is led by male and female speakers associated with prestige schools – not necessarily adolescents per se but younger Trinidadians. Additionally, speakers do not draw on rhotacization to approximate an AmE vowel target but integrate this feature into their speech. Bearing in mind related findings on speech perception, the findings suggest that AmE influence is unlikely to be the only reason for increasing levels of rhotacization. More generally, the findings highlight the importance of adolescents and younger adults in variation and change in Caribbean and other postcolonial Englishes.

Details zur Publikation

Publisher: Schmalz, Mirjam; Vida-Mannl, Manuela; Buschfeld, Sarah; Brato, Thorsten
Book title: Acquisition and variation in World Englishes: Bridging paradigms and rethinking approaches
Release year: 2024
Publishing company: De Gruyter
Language in which the publication is written: English
Event: Berlin/Boston
Link to the full text: https://doi.org/10.1515/9783110733723-013