LANGUAGE IN INDIA

Strength for Today and Bright Hope for Tomorrow

Volume 24:7 July 2024
ISSN 1930-2940

Editors:
         Sam Mohanlal, Ph.D.
         B. Mallikarjun, Ph.D.
         A. R. Fatihi, Ph.D.
         G. Baskaran, Ph.D.
         T. Deivasigamani, Ph.D.
         Pammi Pavan Kumar, Ph.D.
         Soibam Rebika Devi, M.Sc., Ph.D.

Managing Editor & Publisher: M. S. Thirumalai, Ph.D.

Celebrate India!
Unity in Diversity!!

HOME PAGE

Click Here for Back Issues of Language in India - From 2001

Poetic Encounter
Available in https://www.amazon.in/dp/B09TT86S4T

Poems
Naked: the honest browsings of two brown women
Available in https://www.amazon.in

Decrees
Available in https://www.amazon.com

BOOKS FOR YOU TO READ AND DOWNLOAD FREE!

REFERENCE MATERIALS

BACK ISSUES

  • E-mail your articles and book-length reports in Microsoft Word to languageinindiaUSA@gmail.com.

  • PLEASE READ THE GUIDELINES GIVEN IN HOME PAGE IMMEDIATELY AFTER THE LIST OF CONTENTS.

  • Your articles and book-length reports should be written following the APA, MLA, LSA, or IJDL Stylesheet.

  • The Editorial Board has the right to accept, reject, or suggest modifications to the articles submitted for publication, and to make suitable stylistic adjustments. High quality, academic integrity, ethics and morals are expected from the authors and discussants.

Copyright © 2024
M. S. Thirumalai

Publisher: M. S. Thirumalai, Ph.D.
11249 Oregon Circle
Bloomington, MN 55438
USA
Custom Search

Exploring Pronunciation Variations in English among
Southern and Northern Indian Speakers: A Sociolinguistic Analysis

Nivedita Narendran

Abstract

This study delves into the intricate tapestry of English pronunciation across the Southern and Northern regions of India, with a particular emphasis on the idiosyncrasies of slang usage among speakers of Dravidian and Indo-Aryan languages. The research endeavours to shed light on the underlying mechanisms driving these phonetic variations, considering the linguistic, sociocultural, and technological factors at play. Through analysis of key languages from both language families, this research elucidates the factors driving variations in pronunciation.

Central to this investigation is the recognition of slang as a potent force shaping pronunciation dynamics. Slang, characterised by its informal and often playful nature, serves as a vehicle for linguistic innovation, facilitating the spread of novel pronunciations among speakers. Through a meticulous analysis of primary languages from both language families, this research elucidates the intricate interplay between linguistic diversity and pronunciation evolution.

Employing a multifaceted methodology encompassing observation, comparison, elicitation, and analysis, this study navigates the complex terrain of multilingual accents in India. It advocates for the preservation of linguistic plurality, cautioning against the imposition of a standardised Indian accent that could homogenise the rich tapestry of regional variations.

Key findings highlight the multifarious factors contributing to pronunciation shifts among North and South Indian speakers. Assimilation and dissimilation processes, phonological mergers, as well as the pervasive influence of language and social contacts, emerge as pivotal forces driving linguistic change. Furthermore, the burgeoning impact of technology and media on language usage underscores the dynamic nature of pronunciation evolution in contemporary Indian society.

In conclusion, this research underscores the importance of understanding and preserving linguistic diversity in India. By acknowledging the significance of regional accents and the role of slang in pronunciation dynamics, this study advocates for a nuanced approach to language preservation and standardisation. By embracing the inherent plurality of Indian English, we can foster a linguistic landscape that celebrates diversity while ensuring the continued vitality of English as a global medium of communication.

Keywords: Pronunciation Variations in English, Southern and Northern Indian Speakers, Slang, Pronunciation, Comparative Analysis.

1. Linguistic Landscape: Dravidian vs. Indo-Aryan Languages

1.1 Dravidian Languages

The Dravidian language family, comprising Tamil, Telugu, Kannada, and Malayalam, among others, forms a significant linguistic group in Southern India. These languages are not only integral to the cultural and social fabric of their respective regions but also exert a profound influence on the English pronunciation patterns of their speakers. This section explores the phonetic characteristics of Dravidian languages and their impact on English pronunciation, providing specific examples and analyses.

This is only the beginning part of the article. PLEASE CLICK HERE TO READ THE ENTIRE ARTICLE IN PRINTER-FRIENDLY VERSION.

Nivedita Narendran
Assistant Professor
AJK College of Arts and Science, Coimbatore-641105
Tamil Nadu
niveditanarendran97@gmail.com
Custom Search
  • Click Here to Go to Creative Writing Section

  • Send your articles
    as an attachment
    to your e-mail to
    languageinindiaUSA@gmail.com.
  • Please ensure that your name, academic degrees, institutional affiliation and institutional address, and your e-mail address are all given in the first page of your article. Also include a declaration that your article or work submitted for publication in LANGUAGE IN INDIA is an original work by you and that you have duly acknowledged the work or works of others you used in writing your articles, etc. Remember that by maintaining academic integrity we not only do the right thing but also help the growth, development and recognition of Indian/South Asian scholarship.