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Programme: accepted abstracts

Abstract ID: 653

Part of Session 167: Fine phonetic detail and sociolinguistic ethnography (Other abstracts in this session)

A sociophonetic study of PRICE and CHOICE, comparing British Barbadians and Anglos in Ipswich

Authors: Braña-Straw, Michelle Cristina
Submitted by: Straw, Michelle Cristina (University of Gloucestershire, United Kingdom)

Traditionally, sociolinguists researching linguistic variation have tended to rely on externally imposed social categories to account for the patterns observed within a speech community (Bayley 2002). However, a number of studies have demonstrated the importance of using ethnographically-informed analyses to further our understanding of the social meaning of linguistic practices, particularly in ethnically diverse communities (Alim 2004, Mendoza-Denton 2007, Rampton 1995, 2006).

This paper combines fine-grained phonetic analysis, with ethnography to draw out the social meanings of linguistic patterns found within the ethnically diverse community in Ipswich, England. Focussing on two ethnic groups, Barbadians and Anglos, I investigate the possible merger of the PRICE/CHOICE vowels and explore the extent to which an ethnographic analysis can account for the variation and change.

Ipswich is the main urban centre of the, largely rural, English county of Suffolk. It has a small Barbadian community (established since the 1940s) that has developed strong social networks, including family ties in both Barbadian and Anglo communities. Barbadians also advocate for ethnic minorities through political and community engagement (Author 2011).

Demographic and linguistic data were collected in Ipswich, between 2000 and 2002 employing participant observation and recordings [semi-structured interviews and word lists]. I present the results of the PRICE/CHOICE vowels - /ai/ light, price, /oi/ boy, enjoy - for 12 Barbadians and 12 Anglos. Linguists have often commented that the raised/centralised pronunciation of [ai] is one of the most distinctive characteristics of Barbadian speech as compared to other Anglophone Caribbean varieties (Blake 2004, Roberts 1988, Van Herk 2003, Wells 1982). Traditionally, similar phonetic variants were found in Southern English varieties including Suffolk, but many varieties are losing their raised/centralised variants along with their distinctive regional identification (Kerswill & Williams 2002).