Demonstrative use in the Lower Garioch : a study of change in progress

• Main Author: McRae, Sandra Mhairi
• Published: University of Aberdeen 2006
• Subjects: 491.637
• Online Access: http://ethos.bl.uk/OrderDetails.do?uin=uk.bl.ethos.439944

Traditionally in Northern Scots no distinction is made between the singular and plural demonstrative forms. Whilst in Standard English, demonstratives still possess separate singular and plural functions giving us this and these when referring to entities close to the speaker, and that and those when referring to entities more distant from the speaker; in Aberdeenshire Scots, this and that are used with reference to both singular and plural entities. The lack of plural morphological inflection in this case contrasts directly with Standard English these and those, and Central Scots thir and thae. . Today, the linguistic situation in Aberdeenshire is more diverse. The local forms are often used alongside the standard forms these and those, thereby leading to the evolution of a linguistic situation where contrasting paradigms exist side by side within the speech community. This thesis examines the binary relationship between the use of local and standard demonstrative forms in the Lower Garioch, centred on the burgh of Inverurie in Aberdeenshire. Factors affecting demonstrative use are explored through the implementation of fieldwork methods specifically designed to elicit demonstrative forms. Particularly attention is given to generational shifts in language use, the way in which speakers switch between local and standard forms within the context of informal conversation, and the issue of consciousness underlying demonstrative choice.