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

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: Hardback
Length: 256 pages
Publication date: 30 September 2020
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, including consonantal and vocalic features, and its historical origins. Maguire highlights the importance of understanding the phonology of contact between input language varieties and demonstrates how analysis and techniques can be used to explain the development of extra-territorial varieties of English and colonial dialects in complex situations of contact. MUE, as one of the oldest new extra-territorial varieties of English, provides a valuable testing ground for models of new dialect formation.

Weight: 474g
Dimension: 162 x 240 x 20 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781474452908