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Dictionary of Cape Breton English

William John Davey (Author), Richard P. MacKinnon (Author)

9781442615991

Paperback / softback, published 12 September 2016

320 pages, 1 figure, 1 map
25.4 x 17.8 x 1.5 cm, 0.57 kg

"It may seem odd to suggest a dictionary is a fun read, but the Dictionary of Cape Breton English (DCBE) by academics William J. Davey and Richard MacKinnon is just such a book…. This should appeal to word lovers, writers, social historians and the curious. It would also be a great gift for Scrabble players anywhere. "

- Alan Lynch (Atlantic Books Today, October 27, 2016)

‘Highly recommended. All readership levels.’

- J. Adlington (Choice Magazine vol 54:08:2017)

Biff and whiff, baker’s fog and lu’sknikn, pie social and milling frolic these are just a few examples of the distinctive language of Cape Breton Island, where a puck is a forceful blow and a Cape Breton pork pie is filled with dates, not pork.

The first regional dictionary devoted to the island’s linguistic and cultural history, the Dictionary of Cape Breton English is a fascinating record of the island’s rich vocabulary. Dictionary entries include supporting quotations culled from the editors’ extensive interviews with Cape Bretoners and considerable study of regional variation, as well as definitions, selected pronunciations, parts of speech, variant forms, related words, sources, and notes, giving the reader in-depth information on every aspect of Cape Breton culture.

A substantial and long-awaited work of linguistic research that captures Cape Breton’s social, economic, and cultural life through the island’s language, the Dictionary of Cape Breton English can be read with interest by Backlanders, Bay byes, and those from away alike.

Acknowledgements

Sample DCBE Entry

Map of Cape Breton Island

Introduction

Dictionary of Cape Breton English

Works Consulted

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