Language and Dialect Contact in Ireland: The Phonological Origins of Mid-Ulster English

Warren Maguire examines Mid-Ulster English as a key case of new dialect formation, exploring the roles of language shift and dialect contact in its phonological development. He examines the different processes which led to the development of MUE and considers the history of consonantal and vocalic features. He demonstrates the kinds of analysis and techniques that can be used to explain the development of extra-territorial varieties of English and colonial dialects in complex situations of contact, and shows that Irish English provides a useful testing-ground for models of new dialect formation.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 272 pages
Publication date: 31 August 2022
Publisher: Edinburgh University Press

Warren Maguire's research on Mid-Ulster English explores the formation of new dialects through language shift and dialect contact. He examines the phonological development of MUE, tracing its origins to contact between dialects of English, Scots, and Irish. Maguire highlights the processes that led to the development of MUE's consonantal and vocalic features, shedding light on the nature of contact between input language varieties. He demonstrates the analysis and techniques used to explain the development of extra-territorial varieties of English and colonial dialects in complex contact situations, using Irish English as a testing ground for models of new dialect formation. MUE, as one of the oldest new extra-territorial varieties of English, offers valuable insights into the development of new dialects in settlement and colonization contexts.

Weight: 342g
Dimension: 154 x 234 x 15 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781474452915