Investigating the Sound Change in the New Zealand English Nurse Vowel /ᴈ:/ (2017)
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Type of Content
Journal ArticlePublisher
Informa UK LimitedISSN
0726-86021469-2996
Language
EnglishCollections
- Arts: Journal Articles [287]
Abstract
© 2017 The Australian Linguistic Society. Although there have been many studies of New Zealand English (NZE) vowels, little has been written about the nurse vowel /ɜ:/. This study uses data from three groups of Māori speakers of NZE born between 1871 and 1992 to analyse changes to the nurse vowel over time. Although all these speakers are bilingual in English and Māori, we show that they are representative of NZE speakers generally. Analyses are carried out on formant frequency, vowel length, lip-rounding and vocal tract shape. The vowel space position measure (VSM) is used to analyse first and second formant movements together. The nurse vowel in NZE has risen so that it is now close and front in the vowel space, and apparently in danger of being confused with the goose vowel. We conclude by considering the factors that apparently keep the vowels apart and the potential effects of such a merger.
Citation
Maclagan M, Watson CI, Harlow R, King J, Keegan P (2017). Investigating the Sound Change in the New Zealand English Nurse Vowel /ᴈ:/. Australian Journal of Linguistics. 37(4). 465-485.This citation is automatically generated and may be unreliable. Use as a guide only.
Keywords
NURSE Vowel; Sound Change; Vowel Space Measurement (VSM); Maori; New Zealand EnglishANZSRC Fields of Research
47 - Language, communication and culture::4704 - Linguistics::470406 - Historical, comparative and typological linguistics47 - Language, communication and culture::4703 - Language studies::470307 - English language
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