At this point in the course, we are shifting from theoretical foundations to specific dialects of English. In this unit, we will learn about the history, phonetics, and phonology of Canadian English.

READINGS:

Read: Canadian English section of the LSP Website, including:

• Introduction
• History
• Phonetics & Phonology

DISCUSSION:

For this unit, you read a section of the LSP entitled "Langauge and Identitiy." This section suggests that Canadian English struggles to distinguish itself from it's "parent" dialects (RP and GenAm) in order to create a distinct Canadian dialect. Compare what you read of Canadian English's phonetics and phonology with what we have learned about the phonetics and phonologies of GenAm and RP. What similarities and differences do you find between Canadian English and it's "parent" dialects.

At this point in the course, I want us to begin thinking more critically about the theoretical notion of "language and identity" because it will be an important issue for the specific dialects we explore during the remainder of the course. What do you think it means to construct individual and group identities through language? What are some other (non-linguistic) ways in which individuals and groups construct identities?