In this discussion, Sam Hellmuth, a Professor of Linguistics at the University of York, joins speakers Eytan Zweig and James Tompkinson to delve into the innovative York English Language Toolkit workshop. They explore the evolution of prosody in speech, including fascinating studies on the Queen’s accent changes. The trio discusses the rise of the quotative 'be like' and its generational shifts in usage. They also tackle the complexities of verb classification and the challenges surrounding forensic linguistics in police interviews.
The 2024 York English Language Toolkit workshop, returning after a hiatus, offers educators innovative strategies for contemporary A-level English language teaching.
Research on prosody highlights the significance of speech patterns, as seen in analyses of Queen Elizabeth II's broadcasts over her reign, indicating consistency despite personal changes.
Deep dives
York English Language Toolkit Overview
The York English Language Toolkit event is a free professional development workshop geared towards teachers of A-level English language, featuring a variety of presentations and case studies. This year marks the toolkit’s return after a two-year hiatus due to COVID-19, transitioning to a hybrid format that accommodates both in-person and online participation. Notably, the event has been a staple for ten years, offering valuable insights into contemporary A-level studies through diverse research presentations. The toolkit aims to engage educators by providing innovative strategies and updates relevant to teaching English language.
Prosody and the Queen's Speech
Research on prosody, which involves the rhythm, stress, and intonation of speech, can offer insights into language changes and individual speaking patterns over time. A significant focus of this year's discussions will be on the prosody of Queen Elizabeth II's broadcasts, analyzed for changes in pitch and articulation throughout her reign. It has been observed that while the Queen’s pitch gradually decreased over time, her overall prosodic delivery remained consistent, demonstrating the effectiveness of her speech delivery. This research not only highlights the importance of prosody in communication but also raises questions about how public figures maintain their speaking styles despite personal changes.
The 'Be Like' Quotative
The exploration of the 'be like' quotative sheds light on language evolution, specifically examining how this phrase has shifted in usage over decades. Initial research identified its use as a means to express a state of mind, but recent findings indicate that it also functions as a direct quotation in many contexts. A study conducted analyzed age-related differences in the acceptance of this phrase, revealing that younger speakers are more inclined toward its frequent use compared to older speakers, who favor traditional forms of reporting speech. This ongoing investigation into the sociolinguistic aspects of quotatives not only illustrates the dynamics of language change but also captures the nuanced relationship between language, identity, and culture.
Transcription in Police Interviews
The accuracy and representation of police interview transcripts are critical to forensic linguistics, as these documents are often used in legal proceedings. Current research focuses on how the transformation from speech to written transcript affects perceptions of individuals being interviewed, highlighting the complexities involved in achieving an optimal transcription. It has been found that the inclusion of non-verbal cues and behavioral markers can significantly influence how interviewees are perceived, potentially impacting their credibility. This research underscores the need for nuanced approaches to create transcripts that balance accuracy with usability and the legal implications of effectively capturing the dynamics of spoken interactions.
Here are the show notes for Episode 59, in which Dan talks to Sam Hellmuth, Professor of Linguistics at the University of York about the 2024 York English Language Toolkit workshop. We also talk to Eytan Zweig and James Tompkinson about their sessions.