Northern English
A Social and Cultural History

An account of English in the north of England, discussing its history, culture and diversity.

Katie Wales (Author)

9780521861076, Cambridge University Press

Hardback, published 29 June 2006

276 pages, 1 b/w illus. 19 maps
21.6 x 14 x 1.9 cm, 0.5 kg

'This monograph is an extensive and thorough account…' Dr. Daniela Cesiri, Linguist

English as spoken in the north of England has a rich social and cultural history; however it has often been neglected by historical linguists, whose research has focused largely on the development of 'Standard English'. In this groundbreaking, alternative account of the history of English, Northern English takes centre stage for the first time. Emphasising its richness and variety, the book places northern speech and culture in the context of identity, iconography, mental maps, boundaries and marginalisation. It reassesses the role of Northern English in the development of Modern Standard English, draws some pioneering conclusions about the future of Northern English, and considers the origins of the many images and stereotypes surrounding northerners and their speech. Numerous maps, and a useful index of northern English words and pronunciations, are included. Innovative and original, Northern English will be welcomed by all those interested in the history and regional diversity of English.

1. The north-south divide
2. The origins of northern English
3. Northern English and the rise of 'standard' English
4. Northern English after the industrial revolution (1750–1950)
5. Northern English present and future.

Subject Areas: British & Irish history [HBJD1], Linguistics [CF]