Canadian English

Table of Contents

• Introduction
• The origins of Canadian English
• Canadian English as a unique mixture
• Variation in Canadian English spelling: A bi-modal spelling system
• Two competing models
  • Words ending in -our/-or
  • Words ending in -re/-er
  • Words ending in -ce/-se
  • Words ending in -ise/-ize/-yse/-yze
  • ae and oe diagraphs versus e
  • Doubling of final consonant before suffixes
  • -or- in uninflected verbs
  • Miscellaneous
• Attitudes to the notion of 'standard' in Canadian English spelling
• Spelling variation in Canadian newspapers
  • Methodology
  • Results
  • Conclusions
  • Limitations of the study
• Conclusions

Objectives and Key Themes

This paper examines the variation in Canadian English spelling, focusing on its blend of British and American spelling conventions. The study aims to identify whether uniform spelling norms exist in Canadian English and to what extent these norms are followed by national Canadian newspapers.

• The historical development of Canadian English and its unique linguistic characteristics.
• The influence of British and American spelling conventions on Canadian English.
• The existence and application of prescriptive spelling norms in Canadian English.
• The spelling practices of Canadian journalists, specifically in national newspapers.
• The bi-modal nature of Canadian English spelling, with some features closer to British English and others closer to American English.

Chapter Summaries

• Introduction: This chapter introduces the research topic of variation in Canadian English spelling, highlighting its hybrid nature and the paper's two central research questions. It also outlines the methodology used to explore prescriptive norms and actual spelling practices.
• The origins of Canadian English: This chapter traces the development of Canadian English, highlighting the influence of British colonisation and the influx of immigrants, particularly the United Empire Loyalists, who brought with them American linguistic patterns.
• Canadian English as a unique mixture: This chapter explores the distinctive characteristics of Canadian English, emphasizing its unique blend of British and American influences and the ongoing debate surrounding the notion of a "standard" Canadian English.
• Variation in Canadian English spelling: A bi-modal spelling system: This chapter examines the specific spelling variations found in Canadian English, showcasing the duality of its system and the different models used to address these variations.
• Two competing models: This chapter delves deeper into the specific spelling variations, providing examples and analysis of words ending in -our/-or, -re/-er, -ce/-se, -ise/-ize/-yse/-yze, ae and oe diagraphs versus e, doubling of final consonants before suffixes, -or- in uninflected verbs, and other miscellaneous variations.
• Attitudes to the notion of 'standard' in Canadian English spelling: This chapter examines the different perspectives and attitudes towards the concept of a "standard" Canadian English, exploring the historical debates and ongoing discussions surrounding this topic.
• Spelling variation in Canadian newspapers: This chapter focuses on the actual spelling practices found in national Canadian newspapers, outlining the methodology used to collect and analyze data, as well as the preliminary findings observed.

Keywords

This study focuses on the variation in Canadian English spelling, encompassing its historical development, the influence of British and American conventions, prescriptive spelling norms, and actual spelling practices in national Canadian newspapers. Key terms include Canadian English, spelling variation, bi-modal spelling system, British English, American English, prescriptive norms, style guides, national newspapers, linguistic patterns, and historical influences.