Linguistic research may be defined as a study of languages conducted by carrying out surveys and analyzing case studies, previously conducted surveys and other works, as well as, by observing certain aspects of language, all with the intention to learn about a specific facet of language. In this article, the focus will be on linguistic research seeking to differentiate the forms and uses of the different varieties of the English language. This, as mentioned before, is done through the conducting of surveys, case studies and observations. Depending on the scope of the research interest (e.g. whether its focus is global or within a country or if its subjects are from the same “group” as in race, social status, hometown etc.), a range of approaches can then be employed.
The Use of Surveys for Extensive Research
For research involving large numbers of subjects (e.g. global research), things like sample size, places from which the subjects come from (i.e. countries, hometowns etc.), and the distribution of subjects (i.e. whether they come from all over the world or mostly form a certain place) play a very important role. This would make surveys the ideal approach. These can be done online via polls, on the streets or even at public places where large numbers of the target group congregate.
The Use of Interview and Observation Methods for Focused Research
Research involving more focused interests (i.e. a specific group of subjects as in migrants, blacks, doctors etc.) can adopt a qualitative approach. This can involve a single subject or a few subjects being observed under different circumstances. This can be conducted in the form of interviews, group interviews or through the observation of subjects interacting with one another.
The Use of Case Studies for All Research
Case studies would involve information that has been previously gathered about the target group. They could have been derived from previously conducted surveys, observation of the target group, face-to-face interviews, and group interviews or from mingling with members of the target group. They can be part of any research, be it wide or focused and can help to give research added depth and perspective.
With the information gathered, linguists can then compare the varying ways in which different groups of people pronounce, spell, write and speak similar English words and phrases. This information can then lead to further classification such as by nation, region, social status and so on.
Problems Distinguishing English Varieties
Distinctions between the varieties of English are, however, not easily formed. There are many factors that contribute to this. Some of them include people living along the borders between two regions getting influenced by both, people moving into regions that speak different varieties, people marrying someone who speaks a different variety and getting influenced by them, children having parents that speak two different varieties and getting influenced by both, people studying a different variety, countries getting conquered or taken over and being forced to learn the conquering country's variety, people getting influenced by Hollywood films, people getting influenced by the variety commonly found on the internet and people getting influenced by the varieties commonly used on cable TV channels.
People Living Along Borders Between Regions that Speak Different Varieties of English
People living along borders between regions that speak different varieties of English will be influenced by both varieties. Some may still speak the variety on their side but others will speak a mixture of the two varieties. This will lead to a new variety and blur the distinction of varieties between regions.
People Moving Into Regions that Speak Different Varieties of English
Those moving into regions that speak a different variety will still maintain their own variety and only gradually acclimatize to the new variety. At the same time, they may influence others within the region and create another variety. This will affect the distinction between
the two regions.
People Marrying Someone Who Speaks a Different Variety of English
Others may marry or get closely acquainted with someone who speaks a variety different from their own. Over time, the two varieties will rub off on one another and blur the lines that separate one from the other. Again, this undermines the distinctions that separate one variety from all others.
Children Being Born to Parents Who Speak Different Varieties of English
Children born to parents who speak two different varieties may get influenced by both and mix one variety with the other, thus creating a new variation. Once again, the clear distinctions between the different varieties will be marred.
People Getting Educated in a Variety of English Different from their Original
Also, with more and more people getting more highly educated due to the increase in affluence and the availability of scholarships, bursaries and other educational funding aids, people are going to better and more globally viable institutions of learning. These institutions teach in the most globally viable varieties of English, namely British and American English. This will exert a great influence on students who have originally come from regions that are known to speak other varieties of English. When these students return to their hometowns, they will dilute the variety of English spoken in their region and may even influence others within the region. This influence may not only be exerted through day-to-day interactions but also through the teaching of the globally viable variety as some of these “foreign” educated students will become teachers in their own hometowns.
