General Linguistics

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    Variation in the Pronunciation of Some Trinidad and Tobago Place Names: A Study of Language Variation
    (2021-05-29) Moore, Daniell
    Due to the varied sociolinguistic history of Trinidad and Tobago and a large number of place names within Trinidad and Tobago of many linguistic origins, there are many variations of pronunciations of place names among inhabitants of the country. Because of this discovery and observation, and because this area has never been researched before, it is important to conduct such a study, as well as raise awareness of this area. This study seeks to examine the reasons why people pronounce certain place names differently within Trinidad and Tobago. Data collection contained primary data sourced via questionnaires, observations and interviews from University students and family members. On the other hand, secondary data came from articles, journals and books by academics and researchers as well as an interview with a YouTube vlogger who played the role as a reliable source. Furthermore, place names were chosen based on social geography as related to population density, as well as general familiarity as seen through traditional news media and social media news commentaries. The data were analysed using Labov’s theory, and Hickey’s (2003, 2007/2008) model of language change and variation, with some elements of phonological variation. Influences such as linguistic, cultural, social and historical features were instrumental in highlighting and understanding the many diverse variations of pronunciations of place names by people within the country. With regard to examining the reasons why people pronounce certain place names differently within Trinidad and Tobago, they included interlocked/interwoven sociolinguistic co-variables such as education, socio-economic class, environment, family and community upbringing, as well as heritage language influences and background, reading pronunciations, and many more. The study is significant with regard to showing the diversity of pronunciation of place names by people within Trinidad and Tobago, as well as adding value to Trinidadian English Creole, Tobagonian English Creole, and Trinidad and Tobago English. This research has not only shown, but proven, that many variations of pronunciations of some Trinidad and Tobago place names by all peoples are accepted and acceptable, even by outsiders contributing to language change in progress. The research also shows any sort of bias, claims, reservations and dispositions by some people that variations of pronunciations of some Trinidad and Tobago place names are wrong or misinterpreted or false has been refuted and proven wrong.