Canadian English

Table of Contents

1. Introduction

2. The origins of Canadian English

3. Canadian English as a unique mixture

4. Variation in Canadian English spelling: A bi-modal spelling system

5. Two competing models

5.1 Words ending in -our/-or

5.2 Words ending in -re/-er

5.3 Words ending in -ce/-se

5.4 Words ending in -ise/-ize/-yse/-yze

5.5 ae and oe diagraphs versus e

5.6 Doubling of final consonant before suffixes

5.7 -l or -ll in uninflected verbs

5.8 Miscellaneous

6. Attitudes to the notion of ‘standard’ in Canadian English spelling

7. Spelling variation in Canadian newspapers

7.1 Methodology

7.2 Results

7.3 Conclusions

7.4 Limitations of the study

8. Conclusions

Research Objectives and Topics

This study explores the hybrid nature of Canadian English spelling, characterized by an ongoing tension between British and American conventions. The research aims to determine whether established, uniform spelling norms exist within Canadian English and how national newspapers navigate these competing linguistic influences in their editorial practices.

• The historical development of Canadian English as a unique linguistic mixture.
• An analysis of major spelling phenomena and competing conventions (British vs. American).
• The role of prescriptive style guides in shaping national spelling norms.
• Empirical investigation of spelling consistency within major Canadian national dailies.

Excerpt from the Book

Summary of Chapters

1. Introduction: Presents the research questions regarding the existence of uniform spelling norms in Canada and their application in news media.

2. The origins of Canadian English: Details the historical emergence of Canadian English and the negative perceptions held by early British immigrants toward local linguistic innovations.

3. Canadian English as a unique mixture: Explores how Canadian English functions as a distinct hybrid, combining British and American influences.

4. Variation in Canadian English spelling: A bi-modal spelling system: Discusses the historical legacy of Johnson and Webster and the resulting bi-modal nature of Canadian spelling.

5. Two competing models: Provides a comprehensive category-by-category analysis of spelling variations and the influence of style guides.

6. Attitudes to the notion of ‘standard’ in Canadian English spelling: Reviews scholarly consensus regarding the lack of a single, definitive Canadian spelling standard.

7. Spelling variation in Canadian newspapers: Investigates the practical application of spelling conventions within the corpus of three national Canadian newspapers.

8. Conclusions: Synthesizes the findings, confirming that variation is a well-established norm and that consistency is the primary indicator of acceptable usage.

Keywords

Canadian English, spelling variation, British English, American English, style guides, spelling norms, linguistic hybridity, The Globe and Mail, Metro, National Post, lexicography, Canadianisms, diachronic changes, spelling consistency, language policy.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the core subject of this paper?

The paper examines the hybrid nature of Canadian English spelling, which incorporates both British and American spelling conventions due to Canada's unique historical and geographical position.

What are the central thematic areas?

Key themes include the historical origins of Canadian English, the influence of dictionaries and style guides, and the practical application of spelling norms in national journalism.

What is the primary research question?

The research asks if uniform spelling norms exist in Canadian English and, if so, to what extent these norms are adhered to by national newspapers.

Which scientific methodology is employed?

The study combines a theoretical review of style guides and dictionaries with an empirical corpus analysis of articles from three national Canadian newspapers: The Globe and Mail, Metro, and National Post.

What is covered in the main body of the work?

The main body classifies specific categories of spelling divergence (such as -our/-or or -re/-er), compares them against recommendations from major style guides, and analyzes actual usage within news media.

Which keywords best characterize the research?

The research is best characterized by terms such as Canadian English, spelling variation, linguistic hybridity, prescriptive norms, and journalism.

How do Canadian newspapers typically handle the lack of a uniform standard?

The study finds that while newspapers may rely on their own internal style guides, significant variation exists between publications, within newspapers, and occasionally even within single articles.

Does the paper conclude that a single "correct" spelling exists for Canadians?

No, the paper concludes that there is no singular, well-established standard and that variation is an intrinsic, accepted norm of Canadian English, provided that writers maintain internal consistency.