Accents and Dialect Article

How are Accents and Dialect Changing in the Current Day?

Your dialect is different features of English Language and grammar that show you belong to a particular regional group. The UK has countless accents that have been formed and shaped by thousands of years of history. But in an age where so many people are migrating to different regional areas for jobs, universities or just a fresh start; often we find that their dialects and accents are moving, changing and adapting along with them (sometimes without them even knowing). We have reached a time where the language and dialects we use are so diverse that the once common accent of received pronunciation (standard English) is becoming archaic.

Frequently we use geographical and social dialect to judge different things we seemingly think we know about people; where they're from, what they like, what job they have, what personality traits they hold - many times very stereotypically. These very concepts help us to build relationships and gain a broader understanding of one another. However, we can also use each others accent and dialect together to feel closer to the person we are talking to; hence why we often find ourselves changing our dialect to imitate  the other person's through convergence, further explaining why dialects are changing in the current day.
Although, adapting the way we speak to suit new people and situations contradicts this very theory as changing your dialect - or 'putting it on' - can change the way that people judge your character based on regional accents and stereotypes.

The strong influence of reality television programmes such as 'Geordie Shore' can also have an enormous impact on the change in dialect and language, as research finds that Geordie was one of the most irritating accents to Brits; could that be because of the impact of this show? Many young teenagers that are some of the most frequent viewers of reality shows, will often adapt their dialect based on the influence of other peoples speech; possibly because it has become normal to them or that they do it to diverge away from another persons dialect to irritate them. But it can also be this reaction that causes a different change in dialect where, for example, those with strong Newcastle accents may shy away and tame their accent in different regional accents to create positive relationships with other people outside of their own region.

All in all, some people could argue that although our dialects are constantly changing to suit different situations and social groups; we each have our own individual idiolect that represents our personality and the way we were bought up, that can in fact be shaped and adapted, but never truly change into something that we are not.

used some information from : http://dialectblog.com/british-accents/

Questions and answers on the barrister transcript

1. What do you notice about the use of proper nouns and/or pronouns in referring to people and events concerned?
Firstly, the barrister addresses the intended audience (Mr Neil) by his name - e.g. according to you Mr Neil - and most likely does this so that people within the court room (including Mr Neil) know who is being spoken to. This is also a very formal way of speaking so supports the surroundings that they are in; they are in a Scottish court, therefore they will be discussing and important matter and representing the laws and officials of that country. The use of proper nouns could also be used by the barrister as he has a very important job that requires his to speak in a formal manner.
On line 15, the barrister once again uses the proper noun Mr Neil but this time puts emphasis on the words he uses. This could be done to create a more serious atmosphere where Mr Neil would be put under pressure; therefore, may be used as a tactic to make him crack under pressure so that he speaks truthfully and answers quickly. The emphasis on the name could also suggest that the barrister is becoming irritated by Mr Neil and impatient.

On the other hand, Mr Neil uses improper language and second person pronouns such as ''em' (when referring to the police) rather than 'them'; as it would be if in a form of written text. The use of this informal language may suggest that the character has a certain idiolect and most likely a regional Scottish accent that means he does not use correct English Language when speaking.


2. Which parts of the dialogue seem prepared or part of courtroom conventions and which seem spontaneous (said without thinking before hand)?
In this transcript it appears that the more spontaneous and unplanned speech comes from Mr Neil. The use of long pauses and fillers such as 'er' suggest this as it implies that Mr Neil is thinking of a reply and what to say as he is speaking. This would be expected as in a courtroom he would not know the sort of questions that the barrister would ask him therefore his answers would be unplanned.
However, you could argue that Mr Neil planned what he was going to say and what story he was going to tell; but he would not have been able to plan how he would say this as, prior to the courtroom scene, he would only be able to predict what the barrister was going to ask him.

On the other hand, the barristers speech seems more prepared and rehearsed. You would expect the questions that he is asking to be pre prepared as the use of interrogation seems to be a common convention of courtroom procedures. The only part of the barristers speech that you could argue may not be prepared is when he repeats new information that Mr Neil has given him.

3. who seems to have the most power in the dialogue and why?
In this dialogue it seems that the most power and authority lies with the barrister; which would be an expected convention of a courtroom procedure as he has one of the most important roles. The amount of power that he holds could be shown through the frequent amount of questions that he asks.
The barrister could also show power over Mr Neil as he seems to manipulate what he says to make him look guilty; and to try and lure the truth out of him. For example he uses what Mr Neil says to come up with 'you put two and two together Mr Neil and made five', which shows power as he uses manipulation to make Mr Neil seem guilty. This works in the barristers favour as Mr Neil becomes quickly agitated and then goes on to admit the truth.
In addition, the barrister seems to have possession over the conversation as he decides what is going to be spoken about and what he wants Mr Neil to say; once again shown through the use of questioning which seems to be a common courtroom procedure. This could also imply that Mr Neil has little power in the court room as he does not have a large amount of say in the discussion and what is being spoken about - it is almost as if he his being told what to say by the barrister?
Mr Neil also shows a lack of power in the courtroom as he often pauses and hesitates before he says things. This could be seen as lacking power as it makes him come across as nervous and unsure about what to say (cracking under pressure).

4. What else seems puzzling/interesting/unusual and why?
Personally I think that the language used in this transcript seems like a normal courtroom procedure; therefore, I do not find anything that unusual. I believe that frequent questioning form the barrister, and nervous and hesitant replies from Mr Neil are very expected of the type of language used in a courtroom.

Work set 02/10/2015 : Controversial issue Blogs

: Think of a controversial issue and imagine two characters who would have opposing views. They should write as if each of those characters were blogging their arguments, trying to create really different, realistic voice (idiolect) for each. One could be responding to the others ideas or not.

Blog One:
Andrew
42 years old
High school teacher

                                    PERSONAL VIEWS ON SAME SEX MARRIAGE

If you often read my blog you will know that I am a motivated and easily inspired teacher at a local high school. Therefore, I have decided to give my opinion on what I believe will be an important historical event that has recently hit our nation.

As I expect most will have heard; the big news is that same sex marriage has officially been made legal in the United States of America. As a devoted Catholic I understand that my views may anger others and for that I do apologise in advance. However, growing up more understanding towards the beliefs of others in regard to my Catholic beliefs, I am open to hear anyone's opinions and hopefully gain a better understanding of your thoughts.

Now, although I do believe that every person - no matter their sexuality - owns their right to live happily in marriage with another and deserve all respect from others, my beliefs have led me to the opinion that gay marriage is not acceptable within the Church of God.

Growing up as a part of a religious family, I was always taught that same sex marriage could destroy the sanctity of marriage, and more importantly is against the word God. In my opinion if we disregard one word of God by agreeing to the legalisation of same sex marriage in the Church - the home of God - then we are agreeing to forget other important religious teachings.

I was also taught that the tradition of marriage was that of a faithful and lifelong union between a man and woman, and together they shall be joined as husband and wife in a partnership based on love. I am not arguing that same sex marriage is not built upon faith and love, but only that it was not taught as right or part of the norm in my community.

However, all that said I am happy that at last everybody, besides their sexuality, has the freedom to unite with those they love in a precious and sacred ceremony; as love and forgiveness for all is also the most important teaching of God.

Also, as this seems such an important and controversial topic, I would like to try to engage with others who have different views; it would be fantastic is you have any comments or opinions that you would like to share :)

 

Blog Two:

Olivia

19 years old

Well known blogger - travels world and blogs about experiences

 

                                                                 YAYYYYYY!!!!!!!!!

Me again! how are all my little munchkins? I am as brilliant as ever (thank you for asking). Actually, I am over the moon! bcos (dramatic pause or drumroll or something) SAME SEX MARRIAGE IS FINALLY LEGAL IN THE USA!!!!
Sorry if this is a little different to my usual posts - because I know you nosy lot love knowing what I'm getting up to! - but I thought that this was just such an important situation to discuss.
So I've been travelling round the US for a little while now (it's incredible btw - check out my other posts and videos if you wanna know more :) ) and recently I stopped off in NYC. Whilst I was there I made the decision to attend a marriage equality pride march as all people being viewed as equal is something that I strongly believe in. My experience was really amazing - so many people from all around America (and some from across the globe; like me!) were there to represent a community; and there were smiles from ear to ear. The brilliant rainbows of colour were such a sight and amazing representation of what we were standing for; peace and happiness.
I met so many people that had so many stories (sadly sometimes very upsetting - but others beautifully heart warming) to share. This is why I am so happy and proud that we have finally reached a time where same sex marriage is accepted by the law, because it gives the wonderful people that I met a chance to live their lives together in happiness - and not have to hide who they are attracted to.
Another thing I wanted to speak about is another blog that I recently came across written by a man named Andrew. it shows views controversial to my own but I respect that the writer is taking other peoples feelings into consideration. I left the link below - Take a look and leave some comments sharing your opinion : I have too and I think it would be really helpful and interesting to see what you think:) I also left a link to my blog in the comments so if by any chance Andrew sees this - I hope it helps you understand the importance of marriage equality to others:)
Anyways im out now - big day ahead of me! bye bye.

 #Lovewins 💙💙💙💙

 

Bibliography:

http://www.americancatholic.org/News/Homosexuality/

http://college.usatoday.com/2015/07/01/nyc-pride-march-scotus-marriage-equality-ruling/