Description
Book SynopsisA description of regional varieties of British English, along with discussion of current research in dialectology/ variationist sociolinguistics.
Trade ReviewThis slender volume, part of the "English Textbooks on the English Language" series, is an excellent introduction to the field of English dialectology. Part of its appeal lies precisely in its compact size, coupled with clarity of presentation. Importantly, each chapter is concluded by a small number of appropriate exercises and suggested activities, as well as a selection of further readings, making the book very valuable for teaching and for independent study. Overall, Beal's book is a very welcome addition to the existing literature on English dialectology. It manages to be rigorous, engaging, and up to date whilst remaining user-friendly, not least because of its manageable size. -- Simone C. Bacchini, British Library, London LINGUIST list This slender volume, part of the "English Textbooks on the English Language" series, is an excellent introduction to the field of English dialectology. Part of its appeal lies precisely in its compact size, coupled with clarity of presentation. Importantly, each chapter is concluded by a small number of appropriate exercises and suggested activities, as well as a selection of further readings, making the book very valuable for teaching and for independent study. Overall, Beal's book is a very welcome addition to the existing literature on English dialectology. It manages to be rigorous, engaging, and up to date whilst remaining user-friendly, not least because of its manageable size.
Table of Contents1. Introduction: are regional varieties doomed?; 2. Accent; 3. Dialect I: 'grammar'; 4. Dialect II: lexis; 5. The Diffusion Model; 6. Levelling; 7. Regional Identity/ Communities of Practice; 8. Stereotypes; 9. Conclusion; 10. Resources.
