Overview
This lecture explores how a socially informed linguistics approach clarifies the emergence of Multicultural London English (MLE), contesting stereotypes that link language use in London to ethnicity or delinquency.
Language and Public Discourse in London
- London is highly multilingual, with around 300 languages spoken in schools.
- Language became central to public discourse after the London riots, especially through controversial commentary.
- David Starkey linked Jamaican Patois and "gangster culture" to poor behavior among London youth, sparking criticism and accusations of racism.
- There is a longstanding stigma against working-class and urban accents in the UK.
Research on Urban London English
- Research at Queen Mary University investigated London adolescents' speech, focusing on "Estuary English" and other urban dialects.
- Estuary English features pronunciation changes such as a "fronted" vowel in "home" and a French-like "food" sound.
- Young Londoners now often retain their "H"s and incorporate innovative expressions like using "man" or "man's" as a pronoun.
Origins and Features of London Speech
- Many features of modern London speech are not Jamaican but may stem from various influences including West African, Bangladeshi, and local English dialects.
- Slang terms like "my ends" are homegrown and not imported from Jamaican Creole.
- MLE is described as a mixed, multi-ethnic dialect unique to London.
Social Context and Identity
- Immigration and economic factors have fostered tight-knit, multi-ethnic communities in inner London, influencing language development.
- The perception that urban speech "sounds black" is widespread but not accurate for those within the community.
- Young people do not identify as "cockney"; MLE is their linguistic identity, recognized as distinct from traditional London dialects.
Attitudes Toward Language and Identity
- Interviews reveal young Londoners distance themselves from "cockney" identity, associating it with older or different groups.
- "Slang" is the term they use for their way of speaking, which they see as closely tied to their identity.
Key Terms & Definitions
- Estuary English — A variety of English found in the Southeast with specific vowel changes and pronunciations.
- Jamaican Patois/Creole — A distinct language spoken in Jamaica, often wrongly linked to certain London speech patterns.
- Multicultural London English (MLE) — A mixed, multi-ethnic dialect developed in London among youth from diverse backgrounds.
- Cockney — Traditional working-class London dialect, now seen as distinct from MLE.
- Slang — Informal language used by young Londoners, often used to refer to MLE.
Action Items / Next Steps
- Review interview extracts and speech examples from the research for further understanding of MLE features.
- Reflect on how language attitudes influence perceptions of identity and social belonging.
- Consider implications of linguistic diversity for education and public policy in urban settings.