A critique of the chapter 3, “Some Inland Enclaves” of “Canadian English” Akinori
The author, J.K.Chambers mentioned the importance of three inland dialects, such as Montreal, Ottawa and the Red River in “the indications are that a linguistic atlas of Canada would be a worthwhile and almost necessary complement to a dictionary of Canadian English.”
Hence, regarding what I have read in this chapter, one thing I can say is that Americanism has greatly influenced these dialects, forming their variety. Additionally, needless to say, other aspects, such as French and native languages also played roles to some extent; however, the influence of American English was so great that its impact cannot be too emphasized. Moreover, on pronunciation, their distinctiveness appeared more clearly. People using these dialects prefer to use American ways and sometimes British ways, so their inclination of pronunciation can be apparent. Owing to the chapter, Montrealers more oftern use American pronunciation than people in Ontario, which is outstanding feature of Montreal English(P.48). Furthermore, Great Vowel Shift, according to the chapter(P.58), left some characteristics in the dialects, which keep middle English characters.
As a result, dialects above are affected by American English and distinctive in pronunciation.
Friday, November 23, 2007
Reading Task #3
Akinori Watanabe
The Summary of Chapter 3, “Some Inland Enclaves” of “Canadian English”
According to the author, J.K.Chambers of the book (Methuen Publications, 1975), There are three inland dialects in Canada, such as Montreal dialect, Ottawa one and The Red River one, forming popular dialects there. They are mixed with other languages and dialects to comprise Canadian distinct English variation.
Firstly, as for Montreal dialect, Montrealers speaking English also use French as second language, so English there is somewhat influenced by French. Furthermore, Montreal dialect is closer to American English than British English, which is a considerable characteristic, and Montrealers often prefer to use American terms compared to British terms. Hence, it can be said that English in Montreal is affected by American English greatly both in vocabulary and usage.
Secondly, talking of Ottawa dialect, it is very distinctive and Ottawa was very remote to other places before, so the dialect developed differently from others. Because of settlers, Ottawa dialect was influenced by Irish, Scottish and Yankee. Therefore, Ottawa one can be called as Anglo-Irish dialect.
Thirdly, Speaking of the Red River dialect, it was dominated by French and other languages, such as native ones, especially Cree language. Consequently, the Red River dialect is an English dialect mainly mixed with Cree language, composing one inland dialect.
In conclusion, overviewing this chapter, these three inland dialects have developed differently each other, forming popular ones existing even now, attractive to linguists so as to investigate. Hence, they are valuable and worthwhile to sift more and needed to be studied further in the future.
The Summary of Chapter 3, “Some Inland Enclaves” of “Canadian English”
According to the author, J.K.Chambers of the book (Methuen Publications, 1975), There are three inland dialects in Canada, such as Montreal dialect, Ottawa one and The Red River one, forming popular dialects there. They are mixed with other languages and dialects to comprise Canadian distinct English variation.
Firstly, as for Montreal dialect, Montrealers speaking English also use French as second language, so English there is somewhat influenced by French. Furthermore, Montreal dialect is closer to American English than British English, which is a considerable characteristic, and Montrealers often prefer to use American terms compared to British terms. Hence, it can be said that English in Montreal is affected by American English greatly both in vocabulary and usage.
Secondly, talking of Ottawa dialect, it is very distinctive and Ottawa was very remote to other places before, so the dialect developed differently from others. Because of settlers, Ottawa dialect was influenced by Irish, Scottish and Yankee. Therefore, Ottawa one can be called as Anglo-Irish dialect.
Thirdly, Speaking of the Red River dialect, it was dominated by French and other languages, such as native ones, especially Cree language. Consequently, the Red River dialect is an English dialect mainly mixed with Cree language, composing one inland dialect.
In conclusion, overviewing this chapter, these three inland dialects have developed differently each other, forming popular ones existing even now, attractive to linguists so as to investigate. Hence, they are valuable and worthwhile to sift more and needed to be studied further in the future.
Sunday, November 18, 2007
Readig Task #2
The summary of the chapter 2 “Linguistic Enclaves” of “Canadian English”
According to the author, J.K.Chambers of “Canadian English”(Methuen Publications, 1975), this chapter mainly stated that how dialects in both Newfoundland and Nova Scotia were formed and their characteristics of syntax and phonology. Consequently, it explained that many dialect features of Newfoundland and Nova Scotia differed from usual Canadian English.
First of all, the author insisted that Newfoundland dialect was greatly influenced by its fishery, resulting in creating many new words relevant to fishery, attributing itself to the British and expressing Newfoundland’s own particularity. In this way, it also produced the sub-regional dialect and was influenced by the Irish, too
Second of all, he presented that the dialect in Lunenburg in Nova Scotia was affected by German, which was the primary language of the settlers. Furthermore, other two languages, French and English were involved in the language; nevertheless, two languages vanished except English. Additionally, due to the proximity to the surrounding area, the dialect of Halifax has strong relationship with Massachusetts one. Therefore, Lunenburg pronunciation developed independently.
Third of all, Lunenburg Dutch was also observed by the author, telling us that it was not a German dialect. Moreover, it has different pronunciation from others in Canada. And, its vocabulary and syntax are amusement, distinguishing itself from the others, indicating us that the dialect was additionally affected by the New England states, instead of German.
In conclusion, J.K. Chambers insisted that the dialects mentioned above were considerably differentiated from the others, producing their characters. Needless to say, the existence of Germany and Dutch played a great role in addition to English and in part, Yankee English.
Akinori Watanabe
According to the author, J.K.Chambers of “Canadian English”(Methuen Publications, 1975), this chapter mainly stated that how dialects in both Newfoundland and Nova Scotia were formed and their characteristics of syntax and phonology. Consequently, it explained that many dialect features of Newfoundland and Nova Scotia differed from usual Canadian English.
First of all, the author insisted that Newfoundland dialect was greatly influenced by its fishery, resulting in creating many new words relevant to fishery, attributing itself to the British and expressing Newfoundland’s own particularity. In this way, it also produced the sub-regional dialect and was influenced by the Irish, too
Second of all, he presented that the dialect in Lunenburg in Nova Scotia was affected by German, which was the primary language of the settlers. Furthermore, other two languages, French and English were involved in the language; nevertheless, two languages vanished except English. Additionally, due to the proximity to the surrounding area, the dialect of Halifax has strong relationship with Massachusetts one. Therefore, Lunenburg pronunciation developed independently.
Third of all, Lunenburg Dutch was also observed by the author, telling us that it was not a German dialect. Moreover, it has different pronunciation from others in Canada. And, its vocabulary and syntax are amusement, distinguishing itself from the others, indicating us that the dialect was additionally affected by the New England states, instead of German.
In conclusion, J.K. Chambers insisted that the dialects mentioned above were considerably differentiated from the others, producing their characters. Needless to say, the existence of Germany and Dutch played a great role in addition to English and in part, Yankee English.
Akinori Watanabe
Tuesday, November 13, 2007
The vocabulary of the students-nov-13
The students' vocabulary
1.Intrinsic : belong to or part of the real nature of sth/sb
2.Homogeneous : consisting of parts which are similar to each other
3.Nibble : take small bites out of
4.Significant : important
5.Abandon : ignore, disprove
6.Structure : the materials that make an object, theory, etc
7. Integration : the combining of two or more thing so that they work together effectively
8.Deny : not true/not believe
9.Strap : a narrow strip of flexible material, esp leather as for fastening or holding thing together
10.Shabby : lookng old and worn
11.Prevalence : widespread, of wide extent or occurence; in general use or acceptance
12.Vicinity : the immediately surrounding area
13.Raw : (of food)not cooked
14.Nap : a short sleep(esp during the day)
15.Baffled (v) : people who are frustrated and perplexed
16.Abruptly : adv.sudden, blunt, hasty
17.Chore : (n) a job that you have to do , especially a boring one
18.Paraphernalia : (n) a large number of objects that are used for a particular activity
19.Strenuous : (adj) using a lot of effect
20.Dilenma : problem
21.Extract : taking out
22.Controversy : argument, debate
23. Bluffing : the act of bluffing in poker
24.Enclosed : to put something inside an envelope with a letter
25.Inevitably : if something will inevitably happen, it is certain to happen and can't be prevented or avoided
26.Elicit : <1> if you elicit a response or a reaction, you do or say something which makes other people respond or react
<2>if you elicit piece of info, you get it by asking the right questions
27.Rigid : <1>rigid methods, systems, etc are very strict and difficult to change
<2>someone who is rigid/very willing to change thier mind
<3>stiff and not moving or bending
28.Submerge : to go to under the surface of water, or put something under water
29.Absurd : completely stupid or unreasonable
30.Remedy : something such as medicine that is used to cure an illness or pain that is not very serious
31.Retrace : trace something back in its history, cultural background and situation, look into sth dating back
32.Overlook : take somethnig lightly, easily; not taking sth correctly when it shoud be taken properly
33.Branch : one of the main organization; one place or one thning regarding each separate department; originally, one part of the tree
34.Blur : can't see clearly because its edges are no longer distinct
35.Stun : extremely shocked or surprised by something; therefore, unable to speak or doing anything
36.Lure : someone means to trick them into particular place or to trick them into doing something that they shoud not do
1.Intrinsic : belong to or part of the real nature of sth/sb
2.Homogeneous : consisting of parts which are similar to each other
3.Nibble : take small bites out of
4.Significant : important
5.Abandon : ignore, disprove
6.Structure : the materials that make an object, theory, etc
7. Integration : the combining of two or more thing so that they work together effectively
8.Deny : not true/not believe
9.Strap : a narrow strip of flexible material, esp leather as for fastening or holding thing together
10.Shabby : lookng old and worn
11.Prevalence : widespread, of wide extent or occurence; in general use or acceptance
12.Vicinity : the immediately surrounding area
13.Raw : (of food)not cooked
14.Nap : a short sleep(esp during the day)
15.Baffled (v) : people who are frustrated and perplexed
16.Abruptly : adv.sudden, blunt, hasty
17.Chore : (n) a job that you have to do , especially a boring one
18.Paraphernalia : (n) a large number of objects that are used for a particular activity
19.Strenuous : (adj) using a lot of effect
20.Dilenma : problem
21.Extract : taking out
22.Controversy : argument, debate
23. Bluffing : the act of bluffing in poker
24.Enclosed : to put something inside an envelope with a letter
25.Inevitably : if something will inevitably happen, it is certain to happen and can't be prevented or avoided
26.Elicit : <1> if you elicit a response or a reaction, you do or say something which makes other people respond or react
<2>if you elicit piece of info, you get it by asking the right questions
27.Rigid : <1>rigid methods, systems, etc are very strict and difficult to change
<2>someone who is rigid/very willing to change thier mind
<3>stiff and not moving or bending
28.Submerge : to go to under the surface of water, or put something under water
29.Absurd : completely stupid or unreasonable
30.Remedy : something such as medicine that is used to cure an illness or pain that is not very serious
31.Retrace : trace something back in its history, cultural background and situation, look into sth dating back
32.Overlook : take somethnig lightly, easily; not taking sth correctly when it shoud be taken properly
33.Branch : one of the main organization; one place or one thning regarding each separate department; originally, one part of the tree
34.Blur : can't see clearly because its edges are no longer distinct
35.Stun : extremely shocked or surprised by something; therefore, unable to speak or doing anything
36.Lure : someone means to trick them into particular place or to trick them into doing something that they shoud not do
Sunday, November 11, 2007
Reading Task #1
Akinori Watanabe
#1----- The summary of the chapter 1 of “ Canadian English”
According to the book, “Canadian English” (Methuen Publications, 1975), the author, J.K. Chambers insisted that even though some people said almost all the Loyalists had influenced Canadian English, it was formed by admixture of American English, British English and other causes, such as had been brought to Canada. Additionally, he indicated that many factors had affected its formation for hundreds of years since the first settlement.
Firstly, admitting Loyalists’ influence on Canadian English, he retraced its history in the past 400 years, finding other reasons influencing its different formation from American English. Needless to say, as it is today, he revealed Canada had been under considerable influence from its foundation, pronouncing Canada’s historical, political and economical long relationship with the U.S. Moreover, it cannot be overlooked, according to the author, that Immigrants, armies and merchants from the U.K, helped Canada mold its language to some extent. In addition, besides, immigrants from countries ,where English was not spoken, also contributed to its constitution with diverse backgrounds.
Secondly, Chambers claimed that not only factors above but also valiant resources had dominated Canadian English considerably. First of All, geographical and social status of people were main causes of its formation, as regional distribution of the immigrants were various and worked mutually, producing a number of effects on it. Second of all, situational causes played main roles in Canada’s language diversity. For instance, English in Maritime provinces was influenced by New England states, while one in Quebec was not influenced by them. Repeatedly, acknowledging Loyalists’ presence in Canadian English, their factor shouldn’t be overemphasized in order to comprehend correctly, said the author. Furthermore, with the fact that Canadian English is a branch of American English, Chambers noted Canadian English was basically eighteenth century American English modified by South standard English and the English taught by Scots teachers.
Consequently, considering factors above, a lot of aspects functioned in the formation of Canadian English; therefore, it is admixture of various causes mentioned above, in addition to the presence of the Loyalists.
#2-----15 Words I have chosen in the Chapter 1 of “Canadian English.”
1. Antidote-----A medication for detoxification, Detoxifier, A paradigm, A solution
( Some leaves found in the forest can be antidotes for certain poison. )
2. Lessen-----Diminish, Pull back, Make less
( When people speak ill of someone, his reputation will be lessened to some extent. )
3. Probable----Likely, Feasible, Presumable
( It is probable that Apple can take back a share in the computer sales which Microsoft has deprived. )
4. Polyglot-----Able to deal with multiple languages.
( There are many polyglot people in the society where many immigrants have come from various nations. )
5. Vernacular-----Endemic, Indigenous, innate
( Vernacular animals, such as Kangaroo in Australia and Panda in China, are viewed as precious from many zoologists.
6. Transient-----Temporary, Transitory, Momentary
( Transient travelers, like Backpackers from Europe, are cunning when using money. )
7. Dashing-----Vigorous, Lively, Active
( Dashing children can often be injured when playing with friends in the park. )
8. Divergence-----Divarication, Deviation
( There was some divergence from authorized rules among members of a political group. )
9. Allegorical-----Figurative, Parabolical, Tralatitious
( Allegorical stories are appreciated by infants. )
10. Sparsely-----Thinly, Patchily, Infrequently
( Office buildings were sparsely located in a rural area in Toronto. )
11. Admixture-----Mixture, Compound, Fusion, Blending
( Modern English is an admixture of Old English, French and Norman language. )
12. Proximity-----Nearness, Approach
( My house’ proximity to the airport helped me arrive there on time in a traffic jam. )
13. Ubiquity-----Omnipresence, Universality
( The ubiquity of washrooms in Toronto is very appreciated by many travelers. )
14. Unrounded-----Uncrumpled, Unrolled-up
( English pronunciation is difficult if the tongue is unrounded. )
15. Swamp-----Flood, Overflow, Submerge
( A lot of immigrants from Asia swamped a traditional culture of Canada after the second world war. )
#1----- The summary of the chapter 1 of “ Canadian English”
According to the book, “Canadian English” (Methuen Publications, 1975), the author, J.K. Chambers insisted that even though some people said almost all the Loyalists had influenced Canadian English, it was formed by admixture of American English, British English and other causes, such as had been brought to Canada. Additionally, he indicated that many factors had affected its formation for hundreds of years since the first settlement.
Firstly, admitting Loyalists’ influence on Canadian English, he retraced its history in the past 400 years, finding other reasons influencing its different formation from American English. Needless to say, as it is today, he revealed Canada had been under considerable influence from its foundation, pronouncing Canada’s historical, political and economical long relationship with the U.S. Moreover, it cannot be overlooked, according to the author, that Immigrants, armies and merchants from the U.K, helped Canada mold its language to some extent. In addition, besides, immigrants from countries ,where English was not spoken, also contributed to its constitution with diverse backgrounds.
Secondly, Chambers claimed that not only factors above but also valiant resources had dominated Canadian English considerably. First of All, geographical and social status of people were main causes of its formation, as regional distribution of the immigrants were various and worked mutually, producing a number of effects on it. Second of all, situational causes played main roles in Canada’s language diversity. For instance, English in Maritime provinces was influenced by New England states, while one in Quebec was not influenced by them. Repeatedly, acknowledging Loyalists’ presence in Canadian English, their factor shouldn’t be overemphasized in order to comprehend correctly, said the author. Furthermore, with the fact that Canadian English is a branch of American English, Chambers noted Canadian English was basically eighteenth century American English modified by South standard English and the English taught by Scots teachers.
Consequently, considering factors above, a lot of aspects functioned in the formation of Canadian English; therefore, it is admixture of various causes mentioned above, in addition to the presence of the Loyalists.
#2-----15 Words I have chosen in the Chapter 1 of “Canadian English.”
1. Antidote-----A medication for detoxification, Detoxifier, A paradigm, A solution
( Some leaves found in the forest can be antidotes for certain poison. )
2. Lessen-----Diminish, Pull back, Make less
( When people speak ill of someone, his reputation will be lessened to some extent. )
3. Probable----Likely, Feasible, Presumable
( It is probable that Apple can take back a share in the computer sales which Microsoft has deprived. )
4. Polyglot-----Able to deal with multiple languages.
( There are many polyglot people in the society where many immigrants have come from various nations. )
5. Vernacular-----Endemic, Indigenous, innate
( Vernacular animals, such as Kangaroo in Australia and Panda in China, are viewed as precious from many zoologists.
6. Transient-----Temporary, Transitory, Momentary
( Transient travelers, like Backpackers from Europe, are cunning when using money. )
7. Dashing-----Vigorous, Lively, Active
( Dashing children can often be injured when playing with friends in the park. )
8. Divergence-----Divarication, Deviation
( There was some divergence from authorized rules among members of a political group. )
9. Allegorical-----Figurative, Parabolical, Tralatitious
( Allegorical stories are appreciated by infants. )
10. Sparsely-----Thinly, Patchily, Infrequently
( Office buildings were sparsely located in a rural area in Toronto. )
11. Admixture-----Mixture, Compound, Fusion, Blending
( Modern English is an admixture of Old English, French and Norman language. )
12. Proximity-----Nearness, Approach
( My house’ proximity to the airport helped me arrive there on time in a traffic jam. )
13. Ubiquity-----Omnipresence, Universality
( The ubiquity of washrooms in Toronto is very appreciated by many travelers. )
14. Unrounded-----Uncrumpled, Unrolled-up
( English pronunciation is difficult if the tongue is unrounded. )
15. Swamp-----Flood, Overflow, Submerge
( A lot of immigrants from Asia swamped a traditional culture of Canada after the second world war. )
Monday, November 5, 2007
akinori-watanabe
This is the new web-blog which I have made in order to let you know what I have written.
My blog will show what I will write later.
So, people seeing this blog can see the new information.
Please regard this, and take heed to what I will write.
My blog will show what I will write later.
So, people seeing this blog can see the new information.
Please regard this, and take heed to what I will write.
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