Book contents
- The New Cambridge History of the English Language
- The New Cambridge History of the English Language
- The New Cambridge History of the English Language
- Copyright page
- Contents
- Figures
- Maps
- Tables
- Contributors to Volume IV
- General Preface
- Abbreviations
- General Editor’s Introduction
- Introduction to Volume IV
- Part I Language Variation and Change
- 1 Sociolinguistic Sources of Change
- 2 Lifespan Changes and the History of English
- 3 Supraregional Varieties, Standards and Vernaculars
- 4 Historical Divisions and Perceptual Dialectology
- Part II English in England
- Part III English in Wales
- Part IV English in Scotland
- Part V English in Ireland
- Part VI English in Europe
- Index
- References
4 - Historical Divisions and Perceptual Dialectology
from Part I - Language Variation and Change
Published online by Cambridge University Press: 08 March 2026
Edited by
Book contents
- The New Cambridge History of the English Language
- The New Cambridge History of the English Language
- The New Cambridge History of the English Language
- Copyright page
- Contents
- Figures
- Maps
- Tables
- Contributors to Volume IV
- General Preface
- Abbreviations
- General Editor’s Introduction
- Introduction to Volume IV
- Part I Language Variation and Change
- 1 Sociolinguistic Sources of Change
- 2 Lifespan Changes and the History of English
- 3 Supraregional Varieties, Standards and Vernaculars
- 4 Historical Divisions and Perceptual Dialectology
- Part II English in England
- Part III English in Wales
- Part IV English in Scotland
- Part V English in Ireland
- Part VI English in Europe
- Index
- References
Summary
This chapter discusses the perceptions of English variation from the earliest available commentary to the present day. Historical commentary on English variation from various sources is discussed and contrasted with contemporary accounts of the perception of variation in English. The chapter discusses commonalities in the perception of regional variation over time, examining three overarching themes: the presence of a linguistic hierarchy; the focus on the ‘best’ forms of English in areas (and occupations) proximal to the centres of power, and general concerns about language change.
Keywords
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- Type
- Chapter
- Information
- The New Cambridge History of the English LanguageBritain, Ireland and Europe, pp. 97 - 126Publisher: Cambridge University PressPrint publication year: 2026
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