A Sociophonological Approach to Understanding Language Variation in Suffolk

Nestled in East Anglia, the Suffolk dialect is wholly unique. Whilst traditional dialectal studies of
this area have taken place (Koûkeritz, 1932), there has since been a heavy reliance upon earlier
work from both the SED (1969) and Trudgill (1974). Therefore, a more thorough documentation of
the Suffolk dialect would contribute, not only to our understanding of the social and linguistic
development of the county, but also provide greater depth of knowledge regarding the region.
Informed by interviews collected across the county, I intend to document and analyse spoken
dialect data through phonological and sociolinguistic theory. A sociophonological approach would
also be a unique undertaking in this region and provide a better understanding of the links between
socio and theoretical motivations in language change.
Based on my research at Masters level, there are several phenomena worthy of investigation.
These include; vowel smoothing, vowel neutralisation, yod dropping and coalescence, and
glottalisation. However, as data analysis will be guided by naturalistic conversational data,
variables will be considered for analysis following data collection. Trudgill (1974) claimed that there
is a phonotactic constraint present in East Anglian English stating that the schwa may be the only
vowel present in an unstressed consonant final syllable. This opens the possibility of further dialect
constraints.
Whilst linguistic phenomena such as these can be explained using theoretical frameworks, such
as Optimality Theory, I look to explore alternative frameworks to demonstrate linguistic variation.
As a native speaker of the dialect, I not only have a deep understanding and keen interest in this
area, but I have shown a strong commitment by conducting field research in Suffolk during both
my undergraduate and postgraduate degrees. I therefore have already begun to build up a corpus
of interviews.
Regarding ethical considerations, I have no plans to interview children under the age of 18, and I
do not intend to interview those who are considered 'vulnerable' members of society. I therefore
would only require ethical approval for the remaining interviews I need to carry out in low risk
settings.
I look to complete all data collection within the first year, at which point, viable variables will be
identified, whilst attending conferences and completing the relevant background reading. I aim to
have pilot/provisional data ready to present during year two. A quantitative approach to analysis
will allow me to formulate facts and uncover patterns from the data. I also believe that in
conducting face-to-face-interviews, I will acquire a range of important qualitative information to
further inform any patterns I observe. Once data analysis has been completed in year two, I will
embark on writing the full analysis and applying a theoretical framework as part of my explanation
of data patterns. As a result, my thesis will be completed within three years working full time.
With respect to training, I would require tuition in the use of statistical programmes (R), and
training in acoustic programmes, such as PRAAT. However, the latter would only be necessary if
certain vocalic patterns required special attention within my analysis.