Linguistics and English Language

Language variation and change

Speaker: Divyanishi Shaktawat (University of Glasgow)

Title: Backward Transfer of Glaswegian English (L2) on Hindi and Indian English (L1)

Abstract: Many studies have examined hybrid accents in second and third generation ethnolinguistic minorities in the UK (Alam, 2006; Kirkham, 2017; Sharma, 2011). However, not much research has explored first-generation ethnolinguistic immigrant minorities and how their native languages change due to the influence of the dominant host language. Flege's (1995) Speech Learning Model posits that bilinguals’ languages interact and influence each other in a shared phonetic space. Over time, sound categories in this shared space may undergo assimilation, dissimilation, or they may remain independent of each other. This study investigates phonological backward transfer in first-generation bilingual immigrant Indians in Glasgow ‘Glaswasians’ (Alam, 2006). It explored whether and how sounds of their native language (Hindi) and dialect (Indian English) are being influenced by sounds of the dominant host language/dialect (Glaswegian English). Furthermore, it examined the effect of Age of Entry and amount of Indian Contact on this transfer. Three groups of speakers: two control groups (31 Glaswegians and 31 Indians) and the experimental group (41 Glaswasians) – were recorded reading sentence lists in English and Hindi. Two phones were studied (/l/, /t/). These were selected based on their phonemic similarity and acoustic differences in the native and host sound systems. The dependent variables– F2-F1 difference for /l/ and VOT for /t/– were analysed with linear mixed effects modelling. The results revealed both assimilation and dissimilation, as well as significant effects of Age of Entry and Indian Contact on this transfer.

References:

Alam, F. (2006). Language and Identity in `Glaswasian’ Adolescents. University of Glasgow.

Flege, J. E. (1995). Second Language Speech Learning Theory, Findings, and Problems. In W. Strange (Ed.), Speech perception and linguistic experience. (pp. 233–277). York Press.

Kirkham, S. (2017). Ethnicity and phonetic variation in Sheffield English liquids. JIPA, 47(1), 17–35.

Sharma, D. (2011). Style repertoire and social change in British Asian English. JSoc, 15(4), 464–492.

Contact details

Claire Cowie

Dec 12 2022 -

Language variation and change

2022-12-12: Backward Transfer of Glaswegian English (L2) on Hindi and Indian English (L1)

Room 1.17, Dugald Stewart Building, 3 Charles Street, Edinburgh, EH8 9AD