Note: This is the paperback edition of a previously announced book.
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.