Chapter 12
Identity, authenticity and dialect acquisition
The case of Australian English
The importance of dialect in indexing identity
has been well described for ethnic and regional dialects, such as
African American English (e.g. Rickford & Rickford 2000) and Pittsburghese (e.g.
Johnstone & Kiesling
2008), but not so much for national dialect (although
Portnoy 2011 on
Austrian German is one example). This chapter examines dialect and
national identity, focussing on Australian English, and especially
on accent. It also explores the issues of authenticity, ownership
and legitimacy and their effect on the acquisition of Australian
English by speakers of other dialects, and on second dialect
acquisition in general.
Article outline
- 1.Australian English and national identity
- 2.Acquisition of Australian English as a second dialect
- 2.1Explanation from previous research
- 2.2Authenticity and legitimacy
- 2.2.1Insider views
- 2.2.2Outsider views
- Reactions to the views of others
- Personal views
- 3.Conclusion
-
Acknowledgements
-
Notes
-
References