Luận văn linguistic features of american english in the adventures of tom sawyer by mark twain

Lists of tables and figures Tables List The order Content Page 1 |[TaMel | Phonological features related to consonants of Southwestem |16 American English 2 ‘Table 2 Phonolog

LINGUISTIC FEATURES OF AMERICAN-ENGLISH

IN "THE ADVENTURES OF TOM SAWYER" BY

MARK TWAIN

(Đặc điểm ngôn ngữ của tiếng Anh Mỹ trong "Những cuộc

phiêu lưu cia Tom Sawyer" cia Mark Twain)

NAM NATIONAL UNIVERSITY, HANOI UNIVERSITY OF LANGUAGES AND INTERNATIONAL STUDIKS

FACULTY OF POST - GRADUATE STUDIES

ĐÔ THỊ PHƯƠNG MAI

LINGUISTIC FEATURES OF AMERICAN-ENGLISH

IN "THE ADVENTURES OF TOM SAWYER" BY

MARK TWAIN

(Dặc điểm ngôn ngữ của tiếng Anh Mỹ trong "Những cuộc

phiêu lưu của Tom Sawyer" cia Mark Twain)

Lists of tables and figures

Tables

List The order Content Page

1 |[TaMel | Phonological features related to consonants of Southwestem |16

American English

2 ‘Table 2 Phonological features related to vowels of Southwestern 34

American English in the novel

3 |Table 3 | Phonological features related to consonants of Southwestern | 35

American English in the novel

4 | Tabled | Phonological features related fo connected speech of 36

Southwestem American Lnglish in the novel

3 |Table S | Grarnmatical features of American Timglish im Mark Twain's |38

Tom Sawyer

6 | Tableé | Slang words in utterances of characters belonging to different | 43

social classes

7 |Yable7 | Distribution of colloquial features in the novel 44

8 — [Tabe8 | Colloquial features in the novel displayed by a variety of a7

ll Table 11 Tixample 1: because vs becuz SI

12 Table 12 Tixample 2: Afaid vs Afeard s3

13 Table 13 Txample 3 > Knowed vs Knew 54

Figures

1 |Figmel | The Southwestem American English vowel shift 17

2 — |Eigwe2 | Colloquial features in Twain's characters’ speech 5

"Twain was the first major author ta come from the interior country, and iw captured its

distinctive humorous slang and iconoclasm' She further states that "Twain's style, based on

vigorous, realistic, colloquial American speech, gave American writers a new appreciation of

their national voice" Tn facl, many critics comment on the high level of accuracy of Mark

Twain m recording various dialeels making i possibl: "to present his characters im a truthful Fight to the reader in a language that is both vivid and clear at the same time" Furthermore,

Twain is considered a realistic writer (Iligh, 1986, Gerber, 1993; Van Spanckren, 1994 and

Wonham, 1996) whe has the ability to give an accurate description of the nation's cxpcricncc

“its soul, its life, its speech, its thought” Clwain 1895 cited in Wonham, 1996: 1) Following the realistic dimension, Twain claims in the preface to "The Adventures af Tom Sawyer" (p 1) that almost all the events in the novel really occurred and that characters are inspired by people he knew In fact, if events and characters are drawn ‘fom life, it is likely that the

language spoken by eharact:

2 Aims of the study

‘This study aims to investigate the linguistic features of American Linglish in characters’ uflcrances in Mark Twain's Tor Sawyer,

To realize this aim, the answers for the two following research questions are sought

out:

1 What are the linguistic features of American Englivh in characters’ utterances in

Mark Twain's Tom Sawyer?

2 To what extent the characters in the novel share these linguistic features?

3 Scope of the study

For the limitation of the time, reference books and other constraints faced by the

author, this thesis canmot cover all linguistic features of American English in Mark ‘lwain's

Tom Sawyer This study, tharefore, will focus on analyzing and idontifying cerlain linguistic fEaunes of Soullweslern American-Fnglish presented in the novel inchiding phonological, grammatical and lexical features of Southwestem American- English

Additionally, within this M.A thesis, only characters' utterances are investigated to find out the linguistic featwes of American English in the novel without conceming the variety used by the narrator

4 Methodology

First of all, it is noticeable that in the process of the study, both qualitative and quantitative methods are employed ‘Ihe former is used in the form of listing and the latter is used in the form of analyving the lingnistie [saluwes

Additionally, the theoretical background in chapter 1 relics on the published literature

on the concepts of standard language, dialect and levels of dialect, American English together with a brief introduction lo Mark Twain and kis novel "The adventures of Tom Sawyer."

Last but not least, the analysis of lnguistic features of American English is merely

based on Wolfram W& Schiling-Ustes, N.'s framework (1998) about linguistic features of

Sonthwestor American English slated in 1.4 in the first chapter “Theoretical background” of part IL

In this main part, the author starts with the analysis of linguistic features of American

an the novel with the

English in terms of phonology, graromar, and lexis in charaotors' spe

application of idealisation Then the author attempts to investigate whether there are differences among the characters of the novel as far as their use of language is concerned to look for a possible conclation betweon the characters’ sociat background and their use of

language.

PART I: INTRODUCTION

1 Rationale

Language is a communicative means and also a social phenomenon 1Juman beings use language to communicate among themselves as well as to construct the world around them

The study of language, therefore, should be the study of language in usc A language,

however, is not realized in only one but in a variety of forms among which one form can be

considered the standard one while others are the non-standard or dialects of the slandard one

(Wolftam, 1991) The study of one language, therefore, should include not only the so-called standard but also other variations of this language

Nowadays, English, ant international language uscd in many paris of the world and almost every aspect of lite, exists in more than ten big group variations, among which Anerican English is particularly influential due to the U.S.'s dominant in the world economy The study of American Enghsh is, therefore, of interest of many people and also the author of

this thesis

Additionally, literature is "a body of written works related by subject-matter, by

language or place of origin, or hy prevailing cultural standards of meret." (Peler Widlowsen, 1998) Laterature is an art that adopts language as its form and its means Language of literature works, hence, has been the subject of many studies by linguists because it presents particularly

the relation of language and culture It is not only the language of art but also the language of

life The author hopes to reveal all these relations through this thesis, consequently

It is also essential to provide an explanation why Mark ‘I'wain and his work, "The adventures wf Tam Sawyer" are chosen Firstly, Mark Twain is considered the "first ‘rudy! American writer." (Howell, 1967) Early 19° century American writers tend to be too flowery, sentimental or ostentatious, partial because they were irying to prove that they could write as clegantly as the English Nevertheless, together with the country development in almost every aspect of life and the national self-confidence spirit, American writers sooner or later realized thal they rust have their own American Hileralure which is quite separated ftom the one of English And Mark Twain is regarded as "she Lincoln of our Iiteratwe" (Howells), the one that revolutionaries American literature Additionally, Van Spanckeren (1994: 78) argues that

PART I: INTRODUCTION

1 Rationale

Language is a communicative means and also a social phenomenon 1Juman beings use language to communicate among themselves as well as to construct the world around them

The study of language, therefore, should be the study of language in usc A language,

however, is not realized in only one but in a variety of forms among which one form can be

considered the standard one while others are the non-standard or dialects of the slandard one

(Wolftam, 1991) The study of one language, therefore, should include not only the so-called standard but also other variations of this language

Nowadays, English, ant international language uscd in many paris of the world and almost every aspect of lite, exists in more than ten big group variations, among which Anerican English is particularly influential due to the U.S.'s dominant in the world economy The study of American Enghsh is, therefore, of interest of many people and also the author of

this thesis

Additionally, literature is "a body of written works related by subject-matter, by

language or place of origin, or hy prevailing cultural standards of meret." (Peler Widlowsen, 1998) Laterature is an art that adopts language as its form and its means Language of literature works, hence, has been the subject of many studies by linguists because it presents particularly

the relation of language and culture It is not only the language of art but also the language of

life The author hopes to reveal all these relations through this thesis, consequently

It is also essential to provide an explanation why Mark ‘I'wain and his work, "The adventures wf Tam Sawyer" are chosen Firstly, Mark Twain is considered the "first ‘rudy! American writer." (Howell, 1967) Early 19° century American writers tend to be too flowery, sentimental or ostentatious, partial because they were irying to prove that they could write as clegantly as the English Nevertheless, together with the country development in almost every aspect of life and the national self-confidence spirit, American writers sooner or later realized thal they rust have their own American Hileralure which is quite separated ftom the one of English And Mark Twain is regarded as "she Lincoln of our Iiteratwe" (Howells), the one that revolutionaries American literature Additionally, Van Spanckeren (1994: 78) argues that

1 4.3 Lexical features of Southwestern American English

1, 5 Mark Twain and "The adventures of Tom Sawyer"

1, 5 1.Mark ‘wain - the first truely' AmeTican wTiter - -

1 5 2 The novel “The adventures af Torn Sawyer"

Ceara 2: P^SCU3STOVS AitD PTMDTHOS

2 1 Linguistic features of American Lnglish in characters’ utterences

2.1.1, Phonological features of Arneriean English -

2.1.2, Grammatical features of American English

2.1.3, Lexical features of American English

2 2 Linguistic peculiarities of American English in characters! utterences

3.3.1 Linguistic peculiarities of American English in characters’ utterences

2.2.2 Linguistic peculiarities of American English as a means of characterisation

PART 3: CONCLUSION AND IMPLICATION

1 Issucs addressed in the study

2.Issues not addressed in the study

5 Design of the study

The study consists of three main parts, Part 4; Introduction

This part comprises Ihe rationale, scope, aims, molhodology, and design of the study

Purt 2: Development

This is the main part consisting of two chapters

Chapter 1: Theoretical background

This chapter is proscrved to give the basic theorctical background of the study It includes an overview about standard language, dialects, American English, and Southwestern American English Additionally, corlain information aboul Mark Twain, his works and spocifically the novel "The adventures of Tom Sawyer” is cluded,

Chapter 2: Linguistic features of American English in Mark twain's Tom Sawyer

dialects in "The

Chapter 2 is the hoart, of the thesis which investigates American Fnglis

adventures of Tom Sawyer.” in terms of phonology, grammar and lexis The analysis is

attached to the theory about Southwestern American English of Wolftam Wé Schiling-Kstes,

N (1998) lo realixe the aims of the study

PART I: INTRODUCTION

1 Rationale

Language is a communicative means and also a social phenomenon 1Juman beings use language to communicate among themselves as well as to construct the world around them

The study of language, therefore, should be the study of language in usc A language,

however, is not realized in only one but in a variety of forms among which one form can be

considered the standard one while others are the non-standard or dialects of the slandard one

(Wolftam, 1991) The study of one language, therefore, should include not only the so-called standard but also other variations of this language

Nowadays, English, ant international language uscd in many paris of the world and almost every aspect of lite, exists in more than ten big group variations, among which Anerican English is particularly influential due to the U.S.'s dominant in the world economy The study of American Enghsh is, therefore, of interest of many people and also the author of

this thesis

Additionally, literature is "a body of written works related by subject-matter, by

language or place of origin, or hy prevailing cultural standards of meret." (Peler Widlowsen, 1998) Laterature is an art that adopts language as its form and its means Language of literature works, hence, has been the subject of many studies by linguists because it presents particularly

the relation of language and culture It is not only the language of art but also the language of

life The author hopes to reveal all these relations through this thesis, consequently

It is also essential to provide an explanation why Mark ‘I'wain and his work, "The adventures wf Tam Sawyer" are chosen Firstly, Mark Twain is considered the "first ‘rudy! American writer." (Howell, 1967) Early 19° century American writers tend to be too flowery, sentimental or ostentatious, partial because they were irying to prove that they could write as clegantly as the English Nevertheless, together with the country development in almost every aspect of life and the national self-confidence spirit, American writers sooner or later realized thal they rust have their own American Hileralure which is quite separated ftom the one of English And Mark Twain is regarded as "she Lincoln of our Iiteratwe" (Howells), the one that revolutionaries American literature Additionally, Van Spanckeren (1994: 78) argues that

PART II: DEVELOPMENT

CHAPTER T: THEORETICAL BACKGROUND

‘To provide a theoretical background to this study, this chapter will be devoted to a review of issues most relevant to the thesis's topic: standard language, dialect, American

English, Southwestern American English, the writer Mark Twain and his novel "The

adventures of Tom Sawyer."

1.1 Standard language

1.1.1 Definition of standard language

Language is a communicative means and also a social phenomenon of human A language, as Wolfram (1991) slated, is not realized in orlly ong bul ina variety of forms

among which one form can be considered the standard one while others are the non-standard

or dialects of the standard one Consequently, there have been quite a mumber of attempts to define whal a standard language is

Finegan, Edward (2007) defines a standard language as "a particular dialect of a

language that has been given either legal or quasi-legal status it is said to be the most correct

language of a nation.”

Wolttam W& Schiling-Estes, N (1998) believe that "a standard language is a language variety used by a group of people in their public discourse Alternatively, varieties

become standard by undergoing a process of standardization, during which it is organized for

description m grammars and dictionaries and encoded in such reference works."

It 18 noticed that the above definitions share the same idea that a standard language is a

variety of a language used by a group of people and i is normally considered the ‘correct! or Yormat form of a language

1.1.2 Features of standard language

According to Wolftam W& Schiling-Estes, N (1998), standard languages usually are established upon the following features

Firstly, il may be formed by a recognized diclionary (standardized spelling and vocabulary)

Secondly, a recognized grammar is also a basis tor establishing a standard language

"Twain was the first major author ta come from the interior country, and iw captured its

distinctive humorous slang and iconoclasm' She further states that "Twain's style, based on

vigorous, realistic, colloquial American speech, gave American writers a new appreciation of

their national voice" Tn facl, many critics comment on the high level of accuracy of Mark

Twain m recording various dialeels making i possibl: "to present his characters im a truthful Fight to the reader in a language that is both vivid and clear at the same time" Furthermore,

Twain is considered a realistic writer (Iligh, 1986, Gerber, 1993; Van Spanckren, 1994 and

Wonham, 1996) whe has the ability to give an accurate description of the nation's cxpcricncc

“its soul, its life, its speech, its thought” Clwain 1895 cited in Wonham, 1996: 1) Following the realistic dimension, Twain claims in the preface to "The Adventures af Tom Sawyer" (p 1) that almost all the events in the novel really occurred and that characters are inspired by people he knew In fact, if events and characters are drawn ‘fom life, it is likely that the

language spoken by eharact:

2 Aims of the study

‘This study aims to investigate the linguistic features of American Linglish in characters’ uflcrances in Mark Twain's Tor Sawyer,

To realize this aim, the answers for the two following research questions are sought

out:

1 What are the linguistic features of American Englivh in characters’ utterances in

Mark Twain's Tom Sawyer?

2 To what extent the characters in the novel share these linguistic features?

PART I: INTRODUCTION

1 Rationale

Language is a communicative means and also a social phenomenon 1Juman beings use language to communicate among themselves as well as to construct the world around them

The study of language, therefore, should be the study of language in usc A language,

however, is not realized in only one but in a variety of forms among which one form can be

considered the standard one while others are the non-standard or dialects of the slandard one

(Wolftam, 1991) The study of one language, therefore, should include not only the so-called standard but also other variations of this language

Nowadays, English, ant international language uscd in many paris of the world and almost every aspect of lite, exists in more than ten big group variations, among which Anerican English is particularly influential due to the U.S.'s dominant in the world economy The study of American Enghsh is, therefore, of interest of many people and also the author of

this thesis

Additionally, literature is "a body of written works related by subject-matter, by

language or place of origin, or hy prevailing cultural standards of meret." (Peler Widlowsen, 1998) Laterature is an art that adopts language as its form and its means Language of literature works, hence, has been the subject of many studies by linguists because it presents particularly

the relation of language and culture It is not only the language of art but also the language of

life The author hopes to reveal all these relations through this thesis, consequently

It is also essential to provide an explanation why Mark ‘I'wain and his work, "The adventures wf Tam Sawyer" are chosen Firstly, Mark Twain is considered the "first ‘rudy! American writer." (Howell, 1967) Early 19° century American writers tend to be too flowery, sentimental or ostentatious, partial because they were irying to prove that they could write as clegantly as the English Nevertheless, together with the country development in almost every aspect of life and the national self-confidence spirit, American writers sooner or later realized thal they rust have their own American Hileralure which is quite separated ftom the one of English And Mark Twain is regarded as "she Lincoln of our Iiteratwe" (Howells), the one that revolutionaries American literature Additionally, Van Spanckeren (1994: 78) argues that

3 Scope of the study

For the limitation of the time, reference books and other constraints faced by the

author, this thesis canmot cover all linguistic features of American English in Mark ‘lwain's

Tom Sawyer This study, tharefore, will focus on analyzing and idontifying cerlain linguistic fEaunes of Soullweslern American-Fnglish presented in the novel inchiding phonological, grammatical and lexical features of Southwestem American- English

Additionally, within this M.A thesis, only characters' utterances are investigated to find out the linguistic featwes of American English in the novel without conceming the variety used by the narrator

4 Methodology

First of all, it is noticeable that in the process of the study, both qualitative and quantitative methods are employed ‘Ihe former is used in the form of listing and the latter is used in the form of analyving the lingnistie [saluwes

Additionally, the theoretical background in chapter 1 relics on the published literature

on the concepts of standard language, dialect and levels of dialect, American English together with a brief introduction lo Mark Twain and kis novel "The adventures of Tom Sawyer."

Last but not least, the analysis of lnguistic features of American English is merely

based on Wolfram W& Schiling-Ustes, N.'s framework (1998) about linguistic features of

Sonthwestor American English slated in 1.4 in the first chapter “Theoretical background” of part IL

In this main part, the author starts with the analysis of linguistic features of American

an the novel with the

English in terms of phonology, graromar, and lexis in charaotors' spe

application of idealisation Then the author attempts to investigate whether there are differences among the characters of the novel as far as their use of language is concerned to look for a possible conclation betweon the characters’ sociat background and their use of

language.

1 4.3 Lexical features of Southwestern American English

1, 5 Mark Twain and "The adventures of Tom Sawyer"

1, 5 1.Mark ‘wain - the first truely' AmeTican wTiter - -

1 5 2 The novel “The adventures af Torn Sawyer"

Ceara 2: P^SCU3STOVS AitD PTMDTHOS

2 1 Linguistic features of American Lnglish in characters’ utterences

2.1.1, Phonological features of Arneriean English -

2.1.2, Grammatical features of American English

2.1.3, Lexical features of American English

2 2 Linguistic peculiarities of American English in characters! utterences

3.3.1 Linguistic peculiarities of American English in characters’ utterences

2.2.2 Linguistic peculiarities of American English as a means of characterisation

PART 3: CONCLUSION AND IMPLICATION

1 Issucs addressed in the study

2.Issues not addressed in the study

5 Design of the study

The study consists of three main parts, Part 4; Introduction

This part comprises Ihe rationale, scope, aims, molhodology, and design of the study

Purt 2: Development

This is the main part consisting of two chapters

Chapter 1: Theoretical background

This chapter is proscrved to give the basic theorctical background of the study It includes an overview about standard language, dialects, American English, and Southwestern American English Additionally, corlain information aboul Mark Twain, his works and spocifically the novel "The adventures of Tom Sawyer” is cluded,

Chapter 2: Linguistic features of American English in Mark twain's Tom Sawyer

dialects in "The

Chapter 2 is the hoart, of the thesis which investigates American Fnglis

adventures of Tom Sawyer.” in terms of phonology, grammar and lexis The analysis is

attached to the theory about Southwestern American English of Wolftam Wé Schiling-Kstes,

N (1998) lo realixe the aims of the study

1 Rationale ese 1

2 Aims of the sludy 2

3 Scope of the study 13

1 2, Features of standard language

1.2 Dialect

1.2.1 Definition of dialzel

1 2 2 Levels of dialects 7

1 3 American English H 1.1.1 AnErican English - a dialect of British English e.e 11

1 2 Features of American English dialect 12

1 4, Southwestern American English 14

1 4 1 Phonological features of Southwastern American English 4

1 4, 2, Grammatical features of Southwestern American English .LỂ

5 Design of the study

The study consists of three main parts, Part 4; Introduction

This part comprises Ihe rationale, scope, aims, molhodology, and design of the study

Purt 2: Development

This is the main part consisting of two chapters

Chapter 1: Theoretical background

This chapter is proscrved to give the basic theorctical background of the study It includes an overview about standard language, dialects, American English, and Southwestern American English Additionally, corlain information aboul Mark Twain, his works and spocifically the novel "The adventures of Tom Sawyer” is cluded,

Chapter 2: Linguistic features of American English in Mark twain's Tom Sawyer

dialects in "The

Chapter 2 is the hoart, of the thesis which investigates American Fnglis

adventures of Tom Sawyer.” in terms of phonology, grammar and lexis The analysis is

attached to the theory about Southwestern American English of Wolftam Wé Schiling-Kstes,

N (1998) lo realixe the aims of the study

1 Rationale ese 1

2 Aims of the sludy 2

3 Scope of the study 13

1 2, Features of standard language

1.2 Dialect

1.2.1 Definition of dialzel

1 2 2 Levels of dialects 7

1 3 American English H 1.1.1 AnErican English - a dialect of British English e.e 11

1 2 Features of American English dialect 12

1 4, Southwestern American English 14

1 4 1 Phonological features of Southwastern American English 4

1 4, 2, Grammatical features of Southwestern American English .LỂ

1 4.3 Lexical features of Southwestern American English

1, 5 Mark Twain and "The adventures of Tom Sawyer"

1, 5 1.Mark ‘wain - the first truely' AmeTican wTiter - -

1 5 2 The novel “The adventures af Torn Sawyer"

Ceara 2: P^SCU3STOVS AitD PTMDTHOS

2 1 Linguistic features of American Lnglish in characters’ utterences

2.1.1, Phonological features of Arneriean English -

2.1.2, Grammatical features of American English

2.1.3, Lexical features of American English

2 2 Linguistic peculiarities of American English in characters! utterences

3.3.1 Linguistic peculiarities of American English in characters’ utterences

2.2.2 Linguistic peculiarities of American English as a means of characterisation

PART 3: CONCLUSION AND IMPLICATION

1 Issucs addressed in the study

2.Issues not addressed in the study

"Twain was the first major author ta come from the interior country, and iw captured its

distinctive humorous slang and iconoclasm' She further states that "Twain's style, based on

vigorous, realistic, colloquial American speech, gave American writers a new appreciation of

their national voice" Tn facl, many critics comment on the high level of accuracy of Mark

Twain m recording various dialeels making i possibl: "to present his characters im a truthful Fight to the reader in a language that is both vivid and clear at the same time" Furthermore,

Twain is considered a realistic writer (Iligh, 1986, Gerber, 1993; Van Spanckren, 1994 and

Wonham, 1996) whe has the ability to give an accurate description of the nation's cxpcricncc

“its soul, its life, its speech, its thought” Clwain 1895 cited in Wonham, 1996: 1) Following the realistic dimension, Twain claims in the preface to "The Adventures af Tom Sawyer" (p 1) that almost all the events in the novel really occurred and that characters are inspired by people he knew In fact, if events and characters are drawn ‘fom life, it is likely that the

language spoken by eharact:

2 Aims of the study

‘This study aims to investigate the linguistic features of American Linglish in characters’ uflcrances in Mark Twain's Tor Sawyer,

To realize this aim, the answers for the two following research questions are sought

out:

1 What are the linguistic features of American Englivh in characters’ utterances in

Mark Twain's Tom Sawyer?

2 To what extent the characters in the novel share these linguistic features?

1 4.3 Lexical features of Southwestern American English

1, 5 Mark Twain and "The adventures of Tom Sawyer"

1, 5 1.Mark ‘wain - the first truely' AmeTican wTiter - -

1 5 2 The novel “The adventures af Torn Sawyer"

Ceara 2: P^SCU3STOVS AitD PTMDTHOS

2 1 Linguistic features of American Lnglish in characters’ utterences

2.1.1, Phonological features of Arneriean English -

2.1.2, Grammatical features of American English

2.1.3, Lexical features of American English

2 2 Linguistic peculiarities of American English in characters! utterences

3.3.1 Linguistic peculiarities of American English in characters’ utterences

2.2.2 Linguistic peculiarities of American English as a means of characterisation

PART 3: CONCLUSION AND IMPLICATION

1 Issucs addressed in the study

2.Issues not addressed in the study

"Twain was the first major author ta come from the interior country, and iw captured its

distinctive humorous slang and iconoclasm' She further states that "Twain's style, based on

vigorous, realistic, colloquial American speech, gave American writers a new appreciation of

their national voice" Tn facl, many critics comment on the high level of accuracy of Mark

Twain m recording various dialeels making i possibl: "to present his characters im a truthful Fight to the reader in a language that is both vivid and clear at the same time" Furthermore,

Twain is considered a realistic writer (Iligh, 1986, Gerber, 1993; Van Spanckren, 1994 and

Wonham, 1996) whe has the ability to give an accurate description of the nation's cxpcricncc

“its soul, its life, its speech, its thought” Clwain 1895 cited in Wonham, 1996: 1) Following the realistic dimension, Twain claims in the preface to "The Adventures af Tom Sawyer" (p 1) that almost all the events in the novel really occurred and that characters are inspired by people he knew In fact, if events and characters are drawn ‘fom life, it is likely that the

language spoken by eharact:

2 Aims of the study

‘This study aims to investigate the linguistic features of American Linglish in characters’ uflcrances in Mark Twain's Tor Sawyer,

To realize this aim, the answers for the two following research questions are sought

out:

1 What are the linguistic features of American Englivh in characters’ utterances in

Mark Twain's Tom Sawyer?

2 To what extent the characters in the novel share these linguistic features?

1 4.3 Lexical features of Southwestern American English

1, 5 Mark Twain and "The adventures of Tom Sawyer"

1, 5 1.Mark ‘wain - the first truely' AmeTican wTiter - -

1 5 2 The novel “The adventures af Torn Sawyer"

Ceara 2: P^SCU3STOVS AitD PTMDTHOS

2 1 Linguistic features of American Lnglish in characters’ utterences

2.1.1, Phonological features of Arneriean English -

2.1.2, Grammatical features of American English

2.1.3, Lexical features of American English

2 2 Linguistic peculiarities of American English in characters! utterences

3.3.1 Linguistic peculiarities of American English in characters’ utterences

2.2.2 Linguistic peculiarities of American English as a means of characterisation

PART 3: CONCLUSION AND IMPLICATION

1 Issucs addressed in the study

2.Issues not addressed in the study

"Twain was the first major author ta come from the interior country, and iw captured its

distinctive humorous slang and iconoclasm' She further states that "Twain's style, based on

vigorous, realistic, colloquial American speech, gave American writers a new appreciation of

their national voice" Tn facl, many critics comment on the high level of accuracy of Mark

Twain m recording various dialeels making i possibl: "to present his characters im a truthful Fight to the reader in a language that is both vivid and clear at the same time" Furthermore,

Twain is considered a realistic writer (Iligh, 1986, Gerber, 1993; Van Spanckren, 1994 and

Wonham, 1996) whe has the ability to give an accurate description of the nation's cxpcricncc

“its soul, its life, its speech, its thought” Clwain 1895 cited in Wonham, 1996: 1) Following the realistic dimension, Twain claims in the preface to "The Adventures af Tom Sawyer" (p 1) that almost all the events in the novel really occurred and that characters are inspired by people he knew In fact, if events and characters are drawn ‘fom life, it is likely that the

language spoken by eharact:

2 Aims of the study

‘This study aims to investigate the linguistic features of American Linglish in characters’ uflcrances in Mark Twain's Tor Sawyer,

To realize this aim, the answers for the two following research questions are sought

out:

1 What are the linguistic features of American Englivh in characters’ utterances in

Mark Twain's Tom Sawyer?

2 To what extent the characters in the novel share these linguistic features?

"Twain was the first major author ta come from the interior country, and iw captured its

distinctive humorous slang and iconoclasm' She further states that "Twain's style, based on

vigorous, realistic, colloquial American speech, gave American writers a new appreciation of

their national voice" Tn facl, many critics comment on the high level of accuracy of Mark

Twain m recording various dialeels making i possibl: "to present his characters im a truthful Fight to the reader in a language that is both vivid and clear at the same time" Furthermore,

Twain is considered a realistic writer (Iligh, 1986, Gerber, 1993; Van Spanckren, 1994 and

Wonham, 1996) whe has the ability to give an accurate description of the nation's cxpcricncc

“its soul, its life, its speech, its thought” Clwain 1895 cited in Wonham, 1996: 1) Following the realistic dimension, Twain claims in the preface to "The Adventures af Tom Sawyer" (p 1) that almost all the events in the novel really occurred and that characters are inspired by people he knew In fact, if events and characters are drawn ‘fom life, it is likely that the

language spoken by eharact:

2 Aims of the study

‘This study aims to investigate the linguistic features of American Linglish in characters’ uflcrances in Mark Twain's Tor Sawyer,

To realize this aim, the answers for the two following research questions are sought

out:

1 What are the linguistic features of American Englivh in characters’ utterances in

Mark Twain's Tom Sawyer?

2 To what extent the characters in the novel share these linguistic features?

5 Design of the study

The study consists of three main parts, Part 4; Introduction

This part comprises Ihe rationale, scope, aims, molhodology, and design of the study

Purt 2: Development

This is the main part consisting of two chapters

Chapter 1: Theoretical background

This chapter is proscrved to give the basic theorctical background of the study It includes an overview about standard language, dialects, American English, and Southwestern American English Additionally, corlain information aboul Mark Twain, his works and spocifically the novel "The adventures of Tom Sawyer” is cluded,

Chapter 2: Linguistic features of American English in Mark twain's Tom Sawyer

dialects in "The

Chapter 2 is the hoart, of the thesis which investigates American Fnglis

adventures of Tom Sawyer.” in terms of phonology, grammar and lexis The analysis is

attached to the theory about Southwestern American English of Wolftam Wé Schiling-Kstes,

N (1998) lo realixe the aims of the study

1 Rationale ese 1

2 Aims of the sludy 2

3 Scope of the study 13

1 2, Features of standard language

1.2 Dialect

1.2.1 Definition of dialzel

1 2 2 Levels of dialects 7

1 3 American English H 1.1.1 AnErican English - a dialect of British English e.e 11

1 2 Features of American English dialect 12

1 4, Southwestern American English 14

1 4 1 Phonological features of Southwastern American English 4

1 4, 2, Grammatical features of Southwestern American English .LỂ

PART II: DEVELOPMENT

CHAPTER T: THEORETICAL BACKGROUND

‘To provide a theoretical background to this study, this chapter will be devoted to a review of issues most relevant to the thesis's topic: standard language, dialect, American

English, Southwestern American English, the writer Mark Twain and his novel "The

adventures of Tom Sawyer."

1.1 Standard language

1.1.1 Definition of standard language

Language is a communicative means and also a social phenomenon of human A language, as Wolfram (1991) slated, is not realized in orlly ong bul ina variety of forms

among which one form can be considered the standard one while others are the non-standard

or dialects of the standard one Consequently, there have been quite a mumber of attempts to define whal a standard language is

Finegan, Edward (2007) defines a standard language as "a particular dialect of a

language that has been given either legal or quasi-legal status it is said to be the most correct

language of a nation.”

Wolttam W& Schiling-Estes, N (1998) believe that "a standard language is a language variety used by a group of people in their public discourse Alternatively, varieties

become standard by undergoing a process of standardization, during which it is organized for

description m grammars and dictionaries and encoded in such reference works."

It 18 noticed that the above definitions share the same idea that a standard language is a

variety of a language used by a group of people and i is normally considered the ‘correct! or Yormat form of a language

1.1.2 Features of standard language

According to Wolftam W& Schiling-Estes, N (1998), standard languages usually are established upon the following features

Firstly, il may be formed by a recognized diclionary (standardized spelling and vocabulary)

Secondly, a recognized grammar is also a basis tor establishing a standard language

PART I: INTRODUCTION

1 Rationale

Language is a communicative means and also a social phenomenon 1Juman beings use language to communicate among themselves as well as to construct the world around them

The study of language, therefore, should be the study of language in usc A language,

however, is not realized in only one but in a variety of forms among which one form can be

considered the standard one while others are the non-standard or dialects of the slandard one

(Wolftam, 1991) The study of one language, therefore, should include not only the so-called standard but also other variations of this language

Nowadays, English, ant international language uscd in many paris of the world and almost every aspect of lite, exists in more than ten big group variations, among which Anerican English is particularly influential due to the U.S.'s dominant in the world economy The study of American Enghsh is, therefore, of interest of many people and also the author of

this thesis

Additionally, literature is "a body of written works related by subject-matter, by

language or place of origin, or hy prevailing cultural standards of meret." (Peler Widlowsen, 1998) Laterature is an art that adopts language as its form and its means Language of literature works, hence, has been the subject of many studies by linguists because it presents particularly

the relation of language and culture It is not only the language of art but also the language of

life The author hopes to reveal all these relations through this thesis, consequently

It is also essential to provide an explanation why Mark ‘I'wain and his work, "The adventures wf Tam Sawyer" are chosen Firstly, Mark Twain is considered the "first ‘rudy! American writer." (Howell, 1967) Early 19° century American writers tend to be too flowery, sentimental or ostentatious, partial because they were irying to prove that they could write as clegantly as the English Nevertheless, together with the country development in almost every aspect of life and the national self-confidence spirit, American writers sooner or later realized thal they rust have their own American Hileralure which is quite separated ftom the one of English And Mark Twain is regarded as "she Lincoln of our Iiteratwe" (Howells), the one that revolutionaries American literature Additionally, Van Spanckeren (1994: 78) argues that

PART II: DEVELOPMENT

CHAPTER T: THEORETICAL BACKGROUND

‘To provide a theoretical background to this study, this chapter will be devoted to a review of issues most relevant to the thesis's topic: standard language, dialect, American

English, Southwestern American English, the writer Mark Twain and his novel "The

adventures of Tom Sawyer."

1.1 Standard language

1.1.1 Definition of standard language

Language is a communicative means and also a social phenomenon of human A language, as Wolfram (1991) slated, is not realized in orlly ong bul ina variety of forms

among which one form can be considered the standard one while others are the non-standard

or dialects of the standard one Consequently, there have been quite a mumber of attempts to define whal a standard language is

Finegan, Edward (2007) defines a standard language as "a particular dialect of a

language that has been given either legal or quasi-legal status it is said to be the most correct

language of a nation.”

Wolttam W& Schiling-Estes, N (1998) believe that "a standard language is a language variety used by a group of people in their public discourse Alternatively, varieties

become standard by undergoing a process of standardization, during which it is organized for

description m grammars and dictionaries and encoded in such reference works."

It 18 noticed that the above definitions share the same idea that a standard language is a

variety of a language used by a group of people and i is normally considered the ‘correct! or Yormat form of a language

1.1.2 Features of standard language

According to Wolftam W& Schiling-Estes, N (1998), standard languages usually are established upon the following features

Firstly, il may be formed by a recognized diclionary (standardized spelling and vocabulary)

Secondly, a recognized grammar is also a basis tor establishing a standard language

1 Rationale ese 1

2 Aims of the sludy 2

3 Scope of the study 13

1 2, Features of standard language

1.2 Dialect

1.2.1 Definition of dialzel

1 2 2 Levels of dialects 7

1 3 American English H 1.1.1 AnErican English - a dialect of British English e.e 11

1 2 Features of American English dialect 12

1 4, Southwestern American English 14

1 4 1 Phonological features of Southwastern American English 4

1 4, 2, Grammatical features of Southwestern American English .LỂ

1 Rationale ese 1

2 Aims of the sludy 2

3 Scope of the study 13

1 2, Features of standard language

1.2 Dialect

1.2.1 Definition of dialzel

1 2 2 Levels of dialects 7

1 3 American English H 1.1.1 AnErican English - a dialect of British English e.e 11

1 2 Features of American English dialect 12

1 4, Southwestern American English 14

1 4 1 Phonological features of Southwastern American English 4

1 4, 2, Grammatical features of Southwestern American English .LỂ

3 Scope of the study

For the limitation of the time, reference books and other constraints faced by the

author, this thesis canmot cover all linguistic features of American English in Mark ‘lwain's

Tom Sawyer This study, tharefore, will focus on analyzing and idontifying cerlain linguistic fEaunes of Soullweslern American-Fnglish presented in the novel inchiding phonological, grammatical and lexical features of Southwestem American- English

Additionally, within this M.A thesis, only characters' utterances are investigated to find out the linguistic featwes of American English in the novel without conceming the variety used by the narrator

4 Methodology

First of all, it is noticeable that in the process of the study, both qualitative and quantitative methods are employed ‘Ihe former is used in the form of listing and the latter is used in the form of analyving the lingnistie [saluwes

Additionally, the theoretical background in chapter 1 relics on the published literature

on the concepts of standard language, dialect and levels of dialect, American English together with a brief introduction lo Mark Twain and kis novel "The adventures of Tom Sawyer."

Last but not least, the analysis of lnguistic features of American English is merely

based on Wolfram W& Schiling-Ustes, N.'s framework (1998) about linguistic features of

Sonthwestor American English slated in 1.4 in the first chapter “Theoretical background” of part IL

In this main part, the author starts with the analysis of linguistic features of American

an the novel with the

English in terms of phonology, graromar, and lexis in charaotors' spe

application of idealisation Then the author attempts to investigate whether there are differences among the characters of the novel as far as their use of language is concerned to look for a possible conclation betweon the characters’ sociat background and their use of

language.

PART I: INTRODUCTION

1 Rationale

Language is a communicative means and also a social phenomenon 1Juman beings use language to communicate among themselves as well as to construct the world around them

The study of language, therefore, should be the study of language in usc A language,

however, is not realized in only one but in a variety of forms among which one form can be

considered the standard one while others are the non-standard or dialects of the slandard one

(Wolftam, 1991) The study of one language, therefore, should include not only the so-called standard but also other variations of this language

Nowadays, English, ant international language uscd in many paris of the world and almost every aspect of lite, exists in more than ten big group variations, among which Anerican English is particularly influential due to the U.S.'s dominant in the world economy The study of American Enghsh is, therefore, of interest of many people and also the author of

this thesis

Additionally, literature is "a body of written works related by subject-matter, by

language or place of origin, or hy prevailing cultural standards of meret." (Peler Widlowsen, 1998) Laterature is an art that adopts language as its form and its means Language of literature works, hence, has been the subject of many studies by linguists because it presents particularly

the relation of language and culture It is not only the language of art but also the language of

life The author hopes to reveal all these relations through this thesis, consequently

It is also essential to provide an explanation why Mark ‘I'wain and his work, "The adventures wf Tam Sawyer" are chosen Firstly, Mark Twain is considered the "first ‘rudy! American writer." (Howell, 1967) Early 19° century American writers tend to be too flowery, sentimental or ostentatious, partial because they were irying to prove that they could write as clegantly as the English Nevertheless, together with the country development in almost every aspect of life and the national self-confidence spirit, American writers sooner or later realized thal they rust have their own American Hileralure which is quite separated ftom the one of English And Mark Twain is regarded as "she Lincoln of our Iiteratwe" (Howells), the one that revolutionaries American literature Additionally, Van Spanckeren (1994: 78) argues that

1 Rationale ese 1

2 Aims of the sludy 2

3 Scope of the study 13

1 2, Features of standard language

1.2 Dialect

1.2.1 Definition of dialzel

1 2 2 Levels of dialects 7

1 3 American English H 1.1.1 AnErican English - a dialect of British English e.e 11

1 2 Features of American English dialect 12

1 4, Southwestern American English 14

1 4 1 Phonological features of Southwastern American English 4

1 4, 2, Grammatical features of Southwestern American English .LỂ

1 4.3 Lexical features of Southwestern American English

1, 5 Mark Twain and "The adventures of Tom Sawyer"

1, 5 1.Mark ‘wain - the first truely' AmeTican wTiter - -

1 5 2 The novel “The adventures af Torn Sawyer"

Ceara 2: P^SCU3STOVS AitD PTMDTHOS

2 1 Linguistic features of American Lnglish in characters’ utterences

2.1.1, Phonological features of Arneriean English -

2.1.2, Grammatical features of American English

2.1.3, Lexical features of American English

2 2 Linguistic peculiarities of American English in characters! utterences

3.3.1 Linguistic peculiarities of American English in characters’ utterences

2.2.2 Linguistic peculiarities of American English as a means of characterisation

PART 3: CONCLUSION AND IMPLICATION

1 Issucs addressed in the study

2.Issues not addressed in the study