Orality in Written Texts: Using Historical Corpora to Investigate Irish English 1700-1900

Orality in Written Texts provides a methodologically and theoretically innovative study of change in Irish English in the period 1700-1900, drawing on data from the Corpus of Irish English Correspondence and exploring sociolinguistic issues from a historical perspective. It is key reading for advanced students and researchers of corpus linguistics, varieties of English, language change and historical linguistics, as well as anyone interested in Irish history and migration.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 232 pages
Publication date: 13 June 2022
Publisher: Taylor & Francis Ltd

Orality in Written Texts is a groundbreaking study that delves into the evolution of Irish English from 1700 to 1900. Focusing on a period when Ireland transitioned to an English-speaking majority, the book explores the intricate linguistic features of Irish English across different historical contexts and spans of time. By utilizing data from the Corpus of Irish English Correspondence (CORIECOR), a comprehensive collection of personal letters written by Irish emigrants throughout the eighteenth and twentieth centuries, the book offers a fresh perspective on the language.

One of the key contributions of Orality in Written Texts is its examination of linguistic features that have previously been overlooked in the literature on Irish English. These include discourse-pragmatic markers, such as hedges and boosters, as well as deictic and pronominal forms. The book sheds light on how the survival of the pragmatic mode has played a crucial role in preserving certain aspects of the Irish English variety that are still evident today.

Furthermore, the book delves into sociolinguistic issues from a historical perspective, providing valuable insights into the social and cultural factors that influenced the development of Irish English. By examining the interplay between language and society, Orality in Written Texts offers a comprehensive understanding of the complex dynamics that shaped the language over the centuries.

This book is of immense importance to advanced students and researchers in corpus linguistics, varieties of English, language change, and historical linguistics. It provides a rich source of data and analysis that can be used to further explore the complexities of language evolution and variation. Moreover, Orality in Written Texts is also a valuable resource for anyone interested in learning more about Irish history and migration, as it sheds light on the linguistic experiences of the Irish diaspora and their contributions to the development of English language.

In conclusion, Orality in Written Texts is a groundbreaking work that offers a fresh and innovative approach to the study of language change. By examining the use of linguistic features in personal letters written by Irish emigrants, the book provides valuable insights into the evolution of Irish English and its sociolinguistic implications. It is a must-read for advanced students and researchers in the fields of linguistics, history, and cultural studies.

Weight: 430g
Dimension: 234 x 156 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781032338194