Scandinavian-American English over time: Stereotypes and regionalization. (2020)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Moquin, Laura; Salmons, Joseph
• Is Part Of: Ampersand. Volume 7(2020)
• Publication Date: 2020
• Subjects: Enregisterment -- New dialect formation -- 'Mock' language -- Stereotype -- Performance -- Immigrant English; Linguistics -- Periodicals; 410.5
• DOI: 10.1016/j.amper.2020.100064
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 2215-0390

Abstract

Abstract: This paper is a historical sociolinguistic study of spoken Scandinavian-American English, its representation over time, and its relationship with contemporary regional speech. We look at four features: 1) 'stopping' of interdental fricatives, [t, d] for/θ, ð/, 2) /dʒ/ realized as [j] in popular representations, 3) features borrowed from other immigrant communities to demonstrate 'foreignness', and 4) [s] for /z/ in certain environments. From attested observations to performative representations, we trace the very different paths that each feature took. By considering the contact situation of Scandinavian languages in America, we illustrate the complexity with which individual features evolve and give rise to changes in form and social meaning.