Describing the Phonology of Non-Native Varieties of a Language

Abstract

Current methodology that describes nonnative varieties of a language with reference to deviations from the "norm" of the standard language is rejected. It is argued that if a nonnative system is considered independent, it should be described & analyzed on its own terms. Data from Educated Singapore English (ESgE) is used to show how the tools of theoretical phonology can be applied to the construction of phonological analyses of nonnative varieties using data internal to the variety. The method not only yields theoretically valid descriptions but also reveals facts & patterns that may not become apparent during a simple comparison with the native variety. It is argued that the comparative approach does have a role in examination of the evolution of the nonnative variety. B. Annesser Murray.