Cognitive and social forces in dialect shift: Gradual change in London Asian speech

Abstract

Abstract This study examines the retention of a non-native dialect feature by British Asians in London. We examine the use of one Punjabi feature ( t -retroflexion) and one British feature ( t -glottaling) across three groups: first-generation non-native immigrants and two age groups of second-generation British Asians. Cognitively oriented models predict that non-native features will either be innately blocked (Chambers, 2002) or reallocated by native generations. A socially oriented model allows for more gradual change. Contrary to the cognitive view, the older second generation neither blocks nor clearly reallocates use of t -retroflexion; they closely mirror the first generation's non-native use. However, they simultaneously control nativelike t -glottaling, reflecting a robust bidialectal ability. It is the younger second generation who exhibit focused reallocation in the form and function of t -retroflexion. This 20-year lag corresponds to major changes in demographics and race relations in the community over 5 decades. The study shows that acquisition of the local dialect and retention of exogenous features should be seen as independently constrained rather than as mutually exclusive.