The dialect stereotypes of schoolchildren and teachers in the Bay Roberts area of Newfoundland

Hampson, Eloise Lemire (1982) The dialect stereotypes of schoolchildren and teachers in the Bay Roberts area of Newfoundland. Masters thesis, Memorial University of Newfoundland.

[English] PDF (Migrated (PDF/A Conversion) from original format: (application/pdf)) - Accepted Version Available under License - The author retains copyright ownership and moral rights in this thesis. Neither the thesis nor substantial extracts from it may be printed or otherwise reproduced without the author's permission. Download (32MB) [English] PDF - Accepted Version Available under License - The author retains copyright ownership and moral rights in this thesis. Neither the thesis nor substantial extracts from it may be printed or otherwise reproduced without the author's permission. (Original Version)

Abstract

This study investigated speech stereotypes, in a school context, in two non-standard dialect speaking communities in the Conception Bay North region of Newfoundland. The sample group of 100 respondents represented three level's of age/education. A modified matched-guise (verbal guise) technique was implemented to assess attitudes to four English dialects, two standard and two non-standard. Respondents were asked to evaluate taped speakers with respect to personality traits and in terms of the suitability of their speech types to different speech situations. -- The results revealed clear stereotyped preferences for standard dialect speakers on prestige-related evaluations and for formal speech situations. On solidarity-related evaluations and for informal speech situations, non-standard speakers received fairly positive evaluations. Speakers of an external standard dialect, however, often were preferred again on these scales. Ratings on pejorative scales revealed a general reluctance by the sample to award negative judgments, particularly to speakers of local non-standard dialects. -- Respondent age proved to be a differentiating factor in attitudinal discriminations. The community backgrounds and sex of respondents were less obvious determining factors in attitudinal differences. -- The findings are related to the educational situation in Newfoundland.

Actions (login required)

View Item