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What Language is Spoken in Nova Scotia? A Deep Dive into Linguistic Diversity
Introduction:
Nova Scotia, a picturesque province on Canada's Atlantic coast, boasts a rich tapestry of cultures and, consequently, a fascinating linguistic landscape. While English is the dominant language, the story of communication in Nova Scotia is far more nuanced and interesting than a simple answer. This comprehensive guide will delve into the languages spoken in Nova Scotia, exploring their history, prevalence, and the impact they have on the province's vibrant identity. We'll move beyond the simple answer to uncover the diverse linguistic landscape that makes Nova Scotia truly unique. Get ready to unravel the linguistic secrets of this captivating Canadian province!
The Predominant Tongue: English in Nova Scotia
Nova Scotia's official language, and the one most widely spoken, is English. However, it’s crucial to understand that "English" in Nova Scotia isn't monolithic. The province has a distinct regional dialect, influenced by its history of settlement by various groups, including the Acadians, British Loyalists, and Scottish immigrants. This has resulted in unique pronunciations, vocabulary, and even grammatical structures. Think of the charming Maritime accents you often hear depicted in movies and television shows – that's a testament to this linguistic individuality. You'll find variations in accent and vocabulary across different regions of the province, reflecting the settlement patterns and local history. The English spoken in Cape Breton, for example, might sound significantly different from the English spoken in Halifax.
The Enduring Legacy of French in Nova Scotia
French holds a significant place in Nova Scotia's linguistic history and continues to be spoken by a substantial portion of the population. The Acadians, descendants of French settlers who arrived in the 17th and 18th centuries, have preserved their language and culture, contributing significantly to the province's rich heritage. While many Acadians are bilingual in English and French, the preservation of the French language remains a vital aspect of their identity and cultural continuity. French immersion programs in schools and government initiatives aimed at promoting bilingualism reflect the province's commitment to acknowledging and supporting its Francophone community. Concentrations of French speakers are found throughout Nova Scotia, with particularly notable communities in areas like Clare and Argyle counties.
Immigrant Languages: A Growing Linguistic Mosaic
Nova Scotia, like much of Canada, has experienced significant immigration in recent decades. This influx of people from various parts of the world has enriched the province's cultural landscape and contributed to a growing diversity of languages. While English and French remain dominant, languages like Arabic, Mandarin, Cantonese, Tagalog, and many others are spoken within immigrant communities. This linguistic diversity adds vibrancy to Nova Scotia's social fabric, fostering intercultural understanding and enriching the province's overall character. The increasing prevalence of these languages reflects Nova Scotia’s evolving demographic profile and its embrace of multiculturalism.
Indigenous Languages: A History of Resilience and Revitalization
Nova Scotia is home to several Indigenous communities, each with its own unique language and cultural heritage. Mi'kmaq, the language of the Mi'kmaq Nation, is the most prominent Indigenous language in the province. Unfortunately, like many Indigenous languages across Canada, Mi'kmaq has faced significant challenges due to colonization and cultural assimilation. However, there are ongoing efforts to revitalize and preserve Mi'kmaq language through language immersion programs, cultural centers, and community initiatives. The preservation of Indigenous languages is crucial to maintain the rich cultural heritage and traditions of the Mi'kmaq people and other Indigenous groups in Nova Scotia. These efforts reflect a growing understanding of the importance of linguistic diversity and cultural preservation in the province.
The Impact of Language on Nova Scotian Culture and Identity
The diverse linguistic landscape of Nova Scotia profoundly impacts its culture and identity. The coexistence of English and French, coupled with the presence of immigrant languages and Indigenous languages, creates a vibrant and dynamic society. Bilingualism and multilingualism are celebrated as strengths, fostering understanding and communication between different cultural groups. This linguistic diversity is not merely a collection of separate languages; it's a testament to Nova Scotia's history, its embrace of multiculturalism, and its unique identity as a province where multiple linguistic traditions converge and thrive. This multiculturalism enriches the province's artistic expressions, culinary traditions, and overall social fabric.
Conclusion:
The question "What language is spoken in Nova Scotia?" doesn't have a simple answer. While English is the predominant language, the province's rich linguistic tapestry encompasses French, various immigrant languages, and the vital Indigenous languages, particularly Mi'kmaq. Understanding this linguistic diversity is essential to grasping Nova Scotia's unique cultural identity, its history, and its vibrant present. The province's commitment to linguistic preservation and promotion reflects its embrace of multiculturalism and its recognition of the value of its diverse linguistic heritage.
Article Outline:
Name: Unveiling Nova Scotia's Linguistic Landscape
Introduction: Hooking the reader with a captivating introduction highlighting the diverse linguistic landscape of Nova Scotia.
Chapter 1: English – The Dominant Language: Exploring the regional variations and unique characteristics of English spoken in Nova Scotia.
Chapter 2: The Enduring Presence of French: Detailing the history and continued significance of French in Nova Scotia, particularly within the Acadian community.
Chapter 3: The Rise of Immigrant Languages: Discussing the growing diversity of languages spoken by immigrant communities and their impact on Nova Scotian society.
Chapter 4: Revitalizing Indigenous Languages: Highlighting the efforts to preserve and revitalize Mi'kmaq and other Indigenous languages in the province.
Chapter 5: Language and Cultural Identity: Analyzing how the interplay of various languages shapes Nova Scotia's cultural identity and social fabric.
Conclusion: Summarizing the key findings and emphasizing the importance of understanding Nova Scotia's linguistic diversity.
(Detailed explanation of each point is provided in the main body of the article above.)
FAQs:
1. Is French an official language in Nova Scotia? (While not officially at the provincial level, it holds significant status and is supported through various government programs.)
2. What is the most commonly spoken language besides English? (French)
3. Are there any Indigenous languages spoken in Nova Scotia? (Yes, primarily Mi'kmaq.)
4. How many languages are spoken in Nova Scotia? (Many; a precise number is impossible to determine due to the ever-changing immigrant population and the subtle variations within languages.)
5. Where can I find French-speaking communities in Nova Scotia? (Clare and Argyle counties are notable examples.)
6. What are the challenges faced by Indigenous languages in Nova Scotia? (Historical trauma, assimilation pressures, and lack of widespread use.)
7. Are there any initiatives to promote multilingualism in Nova Scotia? (Yes, various government programs and community initiatives support bilingualism and multilingualism.)
8. How does the linguistic diversity of Nova Scotia affect its culture? (It enriches the province's cultural landscape, contributing to its unique identity and fostering intercultural understanding.)
9. What role does immigration play in shaping the linguistic landscape of Nova Scotia? (Immigration introduces new languages, increasing the diversity and complexity of the linguistic environment.)
Related Articles:
1. The History of the Acadian People in Nova Scotia: Examines the Acadian settlement, their cultural contributions, and the role of the French language in their history.
2. Mi'kmaq Culture and Language Revitalization: Focuses on the efforts to preserve and promote the Mi'kmaq language and culture.
3. Immigration Patterns and their Impact on Nova Scotia's Demographics: Analyzes how immigration has shaped the province's population and its linguistic diversity.
4. Nova Scotia's Regional Dialects: A Linguistic Exploration: Delves into the unique variations of English spoken in different regions of Nova Scotia.
5. Bilingual Education in Nova Scotia: Successes and Challenges: Explores the effectiveness and challenges of bilingual education programs in the province.
6. The Role of Language in Shaping Nova Scotian Identity: Discusses the impact of language on the province's cultural identity and sense of belonging.
7. Preserving Linguistic Heritage in a Globalized World: Explores broader issues surrounding language preservation and cultural diversity.
8. Multilingualism and its Benefits: A Case Study of Nova Scotia: Highlights the positive aspects of multilingualism in Nova Scotia.
9. Understanding Linguistic Landscapes: A Comparative Study of Canadian Provinces: Compares the linguistic diversity of Nova Scotia with other Canadian provinces.
| what language is spoken in nova scotia: The Lesser-Known Varieties of English Daniel Schreier, Peter Trudgill, Edgar W. Schneider, Jeffrey P. Williams, 2010-03-04 This is the first ever volume to compile sociolinguistic and historical information on lesser-known, and relatively ignored, native varieties of English around the world. Exploring areas as diverse as the Pacific, South America, the South Atlantic and West Africa, it shows how these varieties are as much part of the big picture as major varieties and that their analysis is essential for addressing some truly important issues in linguistic theory, such as dialect obsolescence and death, language birth, dialect typology and genetic classification, patterns of diffusion and transplantation and contact-induced language change. It also shows how close interwoven fields such as social history, contact linguistics and variationist sociolinguistics are in accounting for their formation and maintenance, providing a thorough description of the lesser-known varieties of English and their relevance for language spread and change. |
| what language is spoken in nova scotia: South Shore Phrase Book Lewis Poteet, 2004-02 Collected from the talk of the people who live along Nova Scotia's South Shore, from Halifax to Yarmouth on the Atlantic shore, this book is a lively guide to the unusual way they speak. It is both very old, including words and phrases spoken but not written down since before Chaucer, and in a lively way, new and elaborate, like the original, complete version of happy as a clam. It provides a guide to the life and character of these resilient fisher and farm folk. The work is illustrated with old photographs from the region, and it includes scholarly appendices on Elizabethan English on Nova Scotia's South Shore and Rough Measure in Maritime Dialect Research, the latter written with Jacqueline Baum. The language will bring back vivid memories to those who have visited this scenic Maritime place and attract those who have not, to do so. As the record of a limited speech community, it may help students of English as a Second Language. It has been used by novelists, playwrights, and poets (including Robert MacNeil of the MacNeil/Lehrer Newshour, Canada's prolific dramatist Paul LeDoux, and George Elliott Clarke, a much-honored black Canadian poet), to give authentic flavor to their works. It will bring joy and insight to all who love language. |
| what language is spoken in nova scotia: Dictionary of Cape Breton English William John Davey, Richard P. MacKinnon, 2016-10-27 Biff and whiff, baker’s fog and lu’sknikn, pie social and milling frolic – these are just a few examples of the distinctive language of Cape Breton Island, where a puck is a forceful blow and a Cape Breton pork pie is filled with dates, not pork. The first regional dictionary devoted to the island’s linguistic and cultural history, the Dictionary of Cape Breton English is a fascinating record of the island’s rich vocabulary. Dictionary entries include supporting quotations culled from the editors’ extensive interviews with Cape Bretoners and considerable study of regional variation, as well as definitions, selected pronunciations, parts of speech, variant forms, related words, sources, and notes, giving the reader in-depth information on every aspect of Cape Breton culture. A substantial and long-awaited work of linguistic research that captures Cape Breton’s social, economic, and cultural life through the island’s language, the Dictionary of Cape Breton English can be read with interest by Backlanders, Bay byes, and those from away alike. |
| what language is spoken in nova scotia: The Nova Scotia Atlas Nova Scotia Geomatics Centre, 2006-06-16 This sixth edition of the Nova Scotia Atlas provides in-depth coverage of the entire province unavailable anywhere else. The maps include numbered and colour-coded highways with exit numbers, hiking trails and national parks. There are details such as power lines, ferry routes, hospitals and communication towers. Airports, helipads and landing strips are mapped. Also included are all provincial parks (campgrounds, picnic sites, boat launches), with a text description of each. The maps clearly show physical features, including rivers, lakes, hills, islands, marshes and beaches. The revisions in this new edition include all new highway construction completed in the past five years, three new wilderness areas and six new nature reserves. Waterfalls are now shown, and Crown land information has been extensively updated. All paved and unpaved roads (longer than 200 m) are included, as are a myriad of protected areas including game sanctuaries, wilderness and wildlife management areas. County and municipal boundaries are shown. |
| what language is spoken in nova scotia: African American English in the Diaspora Shana Poplack, Sali A. Tagliamonte, 2001-10-16 This provocative volume investigates the origins of contemporary African American Vernacular English (AAVE), one of the oldest, yet unsolved, questions in sociolinguistics. |
| what language is spoken in nova scotia: The Lordship of the Isles , 2014-07-31 In The Lordship of the Isles, twelve specialists offer new insights on the rise and fall of the MacDonalds of Islay and the greatest Gaelic lordship of later medieval Scotland. Portrayed most often as either the independently-minded last great patrons of Scottish Gaelic culture or as dangerous rivals to the Stewart kings for mastery of Scotland, this collection navigates through such opposed perspectives to re-examine the politics, culture, society and connections of Highland and Hebridean Scotland from the fourteenth to sixteenth centuries. It delivers a compelling account of a land and people caught literally and figuratively between two worlds, those of the Atlantic and mainland Scotland, and of Gaelic and Anglophone culture. Contributors are David Caldwell, Sonja Cameron, Alastair Campbell, Alison Cathcart, Colin Martin, Tom McNeill, Lachlan Nicholson, Richard Oram, Michael Penman, Alasdair Ross, Geoffrey Stell and Sarah Thomas. |
| what language is spoken in nova scotia: Language in Canada John Edwards, 1998-07-09 Language in Canada provides an up-to-date account of the linguistic and cultural situation in Canada, primarily from a sociolinguistic perspective. The strong central theme connecting language with group and identity will offer insights into the current linguistic and cultural tension in Canada. The book provides comprehensive accounts of the original 'charter' languages, French and English, as well as the aboriginal and immigrant varieties which now contribute to the overall picture. It explains how they came into contact - and sometimes into conflict - and looks at the many ways in which they weave themselves through and around the Canadian social fabric. The public policy issues, particularly official bilingualism and educational policy and language, are also given extensive coverage. Non-specialists as well as linguists will find in this volume, a companion to Language in Australia, Language in the USA and Language in the British Isles, an indispensable guide and reference to the linguistic heritage of Canada. |
| what language is spoken in nova scotia: Gaelic Identities Gordon McCoy, Maolcholaim Scott, 2000 |
| what language is spoken in nova scotia: Languages in Conflict Richard J. Joy, 1972-01-01 |
| what language is spoken in nova scotia: Worthy of Love Andre Fenton, 2019-01-01 Adrian Carter is a young mixed-race teen struggling with poor self-image, but he's through with being bullied for his weight. Adrian decides to shed the pounds, no matter what it takes. When he meets and falls for Mel Woods, a confident and sensible girl with a passion for fitness, his motivation to change leads him to take dangerous measures. When Mel confronts Adrian about his methods of weight loss he is left trying to find a balance between the number on the scale and wondering if he'll ever be worthy of love. |
| what language is spoken in nova scotia: Saving Languages Lenore A. Grenoble, Lindsay J. Whaley, 2005-11-03 Language endangerment has been the focus of much attention and as a result, a wide range of people are working to revitalize and maintain local languages. This book serves as a general reference guide to language revitalization, written not only for linguists and anthropologists, but also for language activists and community members who believe they should ensure the future use of their languages, despite their predicted loss. Drawing extensively on case studies, it sets out the necessary background and highlights central issues such as literacy, policy decisions, and allocation of resources. Its primary goal is to provide the essential tools for a successful language revitalization program, such as setting and achieving realistic goals, and anticipating and resolving common obstacles. Clearly written and informative, Saving Languages will be an invaluable resource for all those interested in the fate of small language communities around the globe. |
| what language is spoken in nova scotia: Up Home Shauntay Grant, Susan Tooke, 2023-02-07 A fifteenth-anniversary edition of the award-winning debut picture book celebrating North Preston, NS, by the Governor General's Literary Award -- shortlisted author of Africville. Happy memories sparkle in this journey through poet Shauntay Grant's childhood visits to North Preston, Nova Scotia. Her words bring to life the sights, sounds, rhythms, and people of a joyful place, while Susan Tooke's vibrant illustrations capture the warmth of one of Canada's most important black communities. Up Home celebrates the magic of growing up, and the power in remembering our roots, now in a new softcover edition celebrating its fifteenth anniversary. |
| what language is spoken in nova scotia: I''m Finding My Talk Rebecca Thomas, 2021-02-28 Former Halifax Poet Laureate and second-generation residential school survivor Rebecca Thomas writes honestly and powerfully in this companion piece to Rita Joe's I Lost My Talk. Includes vibrant illustrations from Mi?kmaw artist Pauline Young. |
| what language is spoken in nova scotia: The Scottish Gaelic Tattoo Handbook Emily McEwan, 2016-05 Written by a Gaelic language specialist in Nova Scotia, this handbook will appeal to anyone who loves Scottish culture, Celtic roots, and tattoos. It contains a glossary of nearly 400 authentic Gaelic words and phrases, a history of the language, examples of real-life Gaelic tattoos that went wrong, and advice on how to avoid common mistakes. |
| what language is spoken in nova scotia: Vanishing Voices Daniel Nettle, Suzanne Romaine, 2000 Nettle and Romaine paint a breathtaking landscape that shows why so many of the world's languages are disappearing-and more importantly, why it matters. - BOOK JACKET. |
| what language is spoken in nova scotia: Encyclopedia of Linguistics Philipp Strazny, 2013-02-01 Utilizing a historical and international approach, this valuable two-volume resource makes even the more complex linguistic issues understandable for the non-specialized reader. Containing over 500 alphabetically arranged entries and an expansive glossary by a team of international scholars, the Encyclopedia of Linguistics explores the varied perspectives, figures, and methodologies that make up the field. |
| what language is spoken in nova scotia: Newfoundland and Labrador English Sandra Clarke, 2010-02-28 This book is the first full-length volume to offer acomprehensive introduction to the English spoken in Britain's oldestoverseas colony, and, since 1949, Canada's youngest province. Within NorthAmerica, Newfoundland and Labrador English is a highly distinctive speechvariety. It is known for its generally conservative nature, having retainedclose ties with its primary linguistic roots, the traditional speech ofsouthwestern England and southern Ireland. It is also characterised by ahigh degree of regional and social variation. Over the past half century,the region has experienced substantial social, economic and cultural change. This is reflected linguistically, as younger generations of Newfoundlandersand Labradorians increasingly align themselves with 'mainland' NorthAmerican norms. The volume includes:*An accessible description of thephonological, grammatical, lexical and discourse features of thisvariety*Treatment of regional speech variation within the province, and itshistorical sources*Discussion of the social underpinnings of ongoinglanguage change *Language samples from both traditional and contemporaryspeakers*A survey of published work on Newfoundland and Labrador Englishfrom earlier centuries to the present day. |
| what language is spoken in nova scotia: The English Language in Nova Scotia Lilian Falk, Margaret Rose Harry, 1999 Can we offer you some Patti-pans? Some fungee or lassybread? How about a derasifying padana? Before you absquotilate in a dander, come aboard of this anthology, and explore some of the fascinating ways in which the English language has developed in Nova Scotia. This book covers such topics as pronunciation, semantics, grammatical structures, language contact, dialect features, ethnic and gender roles. nicknames, and place names. |
| what language is spoken in nova scotia: Africville Shauntay Grant, 2018-09-01 Finalist for the Governor General’s Literary Award, Young People’s Literature – Illustrated Books When a young girl visits the site of Africville, in Halifax, Nova Scotia, the stories she’s heard from her family come to mind. She imagines what the community was once like — the brightly painted houses nestled into the hillside, the field where boys played football, the pond where all the kids went rafting, the bountiful fishing, the huge bonfires. Coming out of her reverie, she visits the present-day park and the sundial where her great- grandmother’s name is carved in stone, and celebrates a summer day at the annual Africville Reunion/Festival. Africville was a vibrant Black community for more than 150 years. But even though its residents paid municipal taxes, they lived without running water, sewers, paved roads and police, fire-truck and ambulance services. Over time, the city located a slaughterhouse, a hospital for infectious disease, and even the city garbage dump nearby. In the 1960s, city officials decided to demolish the community, moving people out in city dump trucks and relocating them in public housing. Today, Africville has been replaced by a park, where former residents and their families gather each summer to remember their community. |
| what language is spoken in nova scotia: North American Icelandic Birna Arnbjornsdottir, 2006-12-15 North American Icelandic evolved mainly in Icelandic settlements in Manitoba and North Dakota and is the only version of Icelandic that is not spoken in Iceland. But North American Icelandic is a dying language with few left who speak it.North American Icelandic is the only book about the nature and development of this variety of Icelandic. It details the social and linguistic constraints of one specific feature of North American Icelandic phonology undergoing change, namely Flámæli, which is the merger of two sets of front vowels. Although Flámæli was once a part of traditional Icelandic, it was considered too confusing and was systematically eradicated from the language. But in North America, Flámæli use spread unchecked, allowing the rare opportunity of viewing the evolution of a dialect from its birth to its impending demise. |
| what language is spoken in nova scotia: Encyclopedia of Language and Linguistics , 2005-11-24 The first edition of ELL (1993, Ron Asher, Editor) was hailed as the field's standard reference work for a generation. Now the all-new second edition matches ELL's comprehensiveness and high quality, expanded for a new generation, while being the first encyclopedia to really exploit the multimedia potential of linguistics. * The most authoritative, up-to-date, comprehensive, and international reference source in its field * An entirely new work, with new editors, new authors, new topics and newly commissioned articles with a handful of classic articles * The first Encyclopedia to exploit the multimedia potential of linguistics through the online edition * Ground-breaking and International in scope and approach * Alphabetically arranged with extensive cross-referencing * Available in print and online, priced separately. The online version will include updates as subjects develop ELL2 includes: * c. 7,500,000 words * c. 11,000 pages * c. 3,000 articles * c. 1,500 figures: 130 halftones and 150 colour * Supplementary audio, video and text files online * c. 3,500 glossary definitions * c. 39,000 references * Extensive list of commonly used abbreviations * List of languages of the world (including information on no. of speakers, language family, etc.) * Approximately 700 biographical entries (now includes contemporary linguists) * 200 language maps in print and online Also available online via ScienceDirect – featuring extensive browsing, searching, and internal cross-referencing between articles in the work, plus dynamic linking to journal articles and abstract databases, making navigation flexible and easy. For more information, pricing options and availability visit www.info.sciencedirect.com. The first Encyclopedia to exploit the multimedia potential of linguistics Ground-breaking in scope - wider than any predecessor An invaluable resource for researchers, academics, students and professionals in the fields of: linguistics, anthropology, education, psychology, language acquisition, language pathology, cognitive science, sociology, the law, the media, medicine & computer science. The most authoritative, up-to-date, comprehensive, and international reference source in its field |
| what language is spoken in nova scotia: Dictionary of Newfoundland English W.J. Kirwin, G. M. Story, J.D.A. Widdowson, 1990-11-01 The Dictionary of Newfoundland English, first published in 1982 to regional, national, and international acclaim, is a historical dictionary that gives the pronunciations and definitions for words that the editors have called Newfoundland English. The varieties of English spoken in Newfoundland date back four centuries, mainly to the early seventeenth-century migratory English fishermen of Cornwall, Devon, Dorset, and Somerset, and to the seventeenth- to the nineteenth-century immigrants chiefly from southeastern Ireland. Culled from a vast reading of books, newspapers, and magazines, this book is the most sustained reading ever undertaken of the written words of this province. The dictionary gives not only the meaning of words, but also presents each word with its variant spellings. Moreover, each definition is succeeded by an all-important quotation of usage which illustrates the typical context in which word is used. This well-researched, impressive work of scholarship illustrates how words and phrases have evolved and are used in everyday speech and writing in a specific geographical area. The Dictionary of Newfoundland English is one of the most important, comprehensive, and thorough works dealing with Newfoundland. Its publication, a great addition to Newfoundlandia, Canadiana, and lexicography, provides more than a regional lexicon. In fact, this entertaining and delightful book presents a panoramic view of the social, cultural, and natural history, as well as the geography and economics, of the quintessential lifestyle of one of Canada's oldest European-settled areas. This second edition contains a supplement offering approximately 1500 new or expanded entries, an increase of more than 30 per cent over the first edition. Besides new words, the supplement includes modified and additional senses of old words and fresh derivations and usages. |
| what language is spoken in nova scotia: Creating Canadian English Stefan Dollinger, 2019-07-11 Traces the making of Canadian English, both as concept and global variety, throughout the twentieth century to the present. |
| what language is spoken in nova scotia: Out of the Depths Isabelle Knockwood, Gillian Thomas, 1993-05-01 |
| what language is spoken in nova scotia: An Introduction to Language Victoria Fromkin, 2015-05-11 This classroom-tested, student-friendly text serves a broad range of students learning about language and linguistics. This revised edition provides a comprehensive, up-to-date introduction to the principal subfields of linguistics. Canadian issues, examples and research are highlighted throughout the book. |
| what language is spoken in nova scotia: Minority Languages and Group Identity John Edwards, 2010-01-01 The central concern in this book is the relationship between language and group identity, a relationship that is thrown into greatest relief in minority settings. Since much of the current interest in minority languages revolves around issues of identity politics, language rights and the plight of endangered languages, one aim of the book is to summarise and analyse these and other pivotal themes. Furthermore, since the uniqueness of every language-contact situation does not rest upon unique elements or features but, rather, upon the particular weightings and combinations of features that recur across settings the second aim here is to provide a general descriptive framework within which a wide range of contact settings may be more easily understood. The book thus begins with a discussion of such matters as language decline, maintenance and revival, the dynamics of minority languages, and the ecology of language. It then offers a typological framework that draws and expands upon previous categorising efforts. Finally, the book presents four case studies that are both intrinsically interesting and more importantly provide specific illustrations of the generalities discussed earlier. |
| what language is spoken in nova scotia: Can Threatened Languages be Saved? Joshua A. Fishman, 2001-01-01 Defenders of threatened languages all over the world, from advocates of biodiversity to dedicated defenders of their own cultural authenticity, are often humbled by the dimensity of the task that they are faced with when the weak and the few seek to find a safe-harbour against the ravages of the strong and the many. This book provides both practical case studies and theoretical directions from all five continents and advances thereby the collective pursuit of reversing language shift for the greater benefit of cultural democracy everywhere. |
| what language is spoken in nova scotia: Speaking Canadian English Mark M. Orkin, 2015-06-26 What do English-speaking Canadians sound like and why? Can you tell the difference between a Canadian and an American? A Canadian and an Englishman? If so, how? Linguistically speaking is Canada a colony of Britain or a satellite of the United States? Is there a Canadian language? Speaking Canadian English, first published in 1971, in a non-technical way, describes English as it is spoken in Canada – its vocabulary, pronunciation, syntax, grammar, spelling, slang. This title comments on the history of Canadian English – how it came to sound the way it does – and attempts to predict what will happen to it in the future. This book will be of interest to students of linguistics. |
| what language is spoken in nova scotia: Live from the Afrikan Resistance! El Jones, 2014 Live from the Afrikan Resistance! is the first collection of spoken word poetry by Halifax's fifth Poet Laureate, El Jones. These poems speak of community and struggle. They are grounded in the political culture of African Nova Scotia and inherit the styles and substances of hip-hop, dub and calypso's political commentary. Gathered from seven years of performances, these poems represent the tradition of the prophetic voice in Black Nova Scotia. |
| what language is spoken in nova scotia: An International Glossary of Place Name Elements Joel F. Mann, 2005 Place name elements from over 300 languages are arranged alphabetically, followed by the name of the language or language group of origin, the meaning in English and, in many cases, the word's usage in an actual place name. |
| what language is spoken in nova scotia: Evangeline Henry Wadsworth Longfellow, 1878 |
| what language is spoken in nova scotia: The Languages of Native North America Marianne Mithun, 2001-06-07 This book provides an authoritative survey of the several hundred languages indigenous to North America. These languages show tremendous genetic and typological diversity, and offer numerous challenges to current linguistic theory. Part I of the book provides an overview of structural features of particular interest, concentrating on those that are cross-linguistically unusual or unusually well developed. These include syllable structure, vowel and consonant harmony, tone, and sound symbolism; polysynthesis, the nature of roots and affixes, incorporation, and morpheme order; case; grammatical distinctions of number, gender, shape, control, location, means, manner, time, empathy, and evidence; and distinctions between nouns and verbs, predicates and arguments, and simple and complex sentences; and special speech styles. Part II catalogues the languages by family, listing the location of each language, its genetic affiliation, number of speakers, major published literature, and structural highlights. Finally, there is a catalogue of languages that have evolved in contact situations. |
| what language is spoken in nova scotia: Multilingual Perspectives on Child Language Disorders Janet L. Patterson, Barbara L. Rodríguez, 2016-01-05 This book investigates language disorders in children who speak languages other than, or in addition to, English. The chapters in the first section of the volume focus on language disorders associated with four different syndromes in multilingual populations and contexts. This section discusses language disorders associated with autism spectrum disorders, Down syndrome, fetal alcohol syndrome and Williams syndrome. The chapters in the second section of the book relate to language impairment in children who speak diverse languages, although the issues they address are relevant across languages and cultural contexts. The book also reviews assessment procedures and intervention approaches for diverse languages, including Bengali, Cantonese, French, Spanish, and Turkish. The volume aims to stimulate thoughtful clinical practice and further research in language disorders in multilingual populations. |
| what language is spoken in nova scotia: I Place You Into the Fire Rebecca Thomas, 2020-10-20 In Mi'kmaw, three similarly shaped words have drastically different meanings: kesalul means I love you; kesa'lul means I hurt you; and ke'sa'lul means I put you into the fire. Spoken word artist Rebecca Thomas' first poetry collection is at once a meditation on navigating life and love as a second-generation Residential School survivor, a lesson in unlearning, and a rallying cry for Indigenous justice, empathy, and equality. |
| what language is spoken in nova scotia: The Indigenous Languages of the Americas Lyle Campbell, 2024 The Indigenous Languages of the Americas is a comprehensive assessment of what is known about their history and classification. It identifies gaps in knowledge and resolves controversial issues while making new contributions of its own. The book deals with the major themes involving these languages: classification and history of the Indigenous languages of the Americas; issues involving language names; origins of the languages of the New World; unclassified and spurious languages; hypotheses of distant linguistic relationships; linguistic areas; contact languages (pidgins, lingua francas, mixed languages); and loanwords and neologisms. |
| what language is spoken in nova scotia: The Native Population of the Americas in 1492 William M. Denevan, 1992-03-15 William M. Denevan writes that, The discovery of America was followed by possibly the greatest demographic disaster in the history of the world. Research by some scholars provides population estimates of the pre-contact Americas to be as high as 112 million in 1492, while others estimate the population to have been as low as eight million. In any case, the native population declined to less than six million by 1650. In this collection of essays, historians, anthropologists, and geographers discuss the discrepancies in the population estimates and the evidence for the post-European decline. Woodrow Borah, Angel Rosenblat, William T. Sanders, and others touch on such topics as the Indian slave trade, diseases, military action, and the disruption of the social systems of the native peoples. Offering varying points of view, the contributors critically analyze major hemispheric and regional data and estimates for pre- and post-European contact. This revised edition features a new introduction by Denevan reviewing recent literature and providing a new hemispheric estimate of 54 million, a foreword by W. George Lovell of Queen's University, and a comprehensive updating of the already extensive bibliography. Research in this subject is accelerating, with contributions from many disciplines. The discussions and essays presented here can serve both as an overview of past estimates, conflicts, and methods and as indicators of new approaches and perspectives to this timely subject. |
| what language is spoken in nova scotia: Creoles, Contact, and Language Change Geneviève Escure, Armin Schwegler, 2004-01-01 This volume contains a selection of fifteen papers presented at three consecutive meetings of the Society for Pidgin and Creole Linguistics, held in Washington, D.C. (January 2001); Coimbra, Portugal (June 2001); and San Francisco (January 2002). The fifteen articles offer a balanced sampling of creolists' current research interests. All of the contributions address questions directly relevant to pidgin/creole studies and other contact languages. The majority of papers address issues of morphology or syntax. Some of the contributions make use of phonological analysis while others study language development from the point of view of acquisition. A few papers examine discourse strategies and style, or broader issues of social and ethnic identity. While this array of topics and perspectives is reflective of the diversity of the field, there is also much common ground in that all of the papers adduce solid data corpora to support their analyses. The range of languages analyzed spans the planet, as approximately twenty contact varieties are studied in this volume. |
| what language is spoken in nova scotia: The Treasury of Languages James Bonwick, 1873 |
| what language is spoken in nova scotia: The Language of this Land, Mi'kma'ki Trudy Sable, Bernard Francis, Roger J. Lewis, William Peter Jones, 2012 The ancient landscapes of Eastern North America are reflected in the language and cultural expressions of its Indigenous peoples, the Mi'kmaq. The rhythms, sounds and patterns of their language are inextricably bound with the seasonal cycles of the animals, plants, winds, skies, waterways and trade routes. The Language of this Land, Mi'kma'ki is an exploration of Mi'kmaw world view as expressed in language, legends, song and dance. Using imagery as codes, these include not only place names and geologic history, but act as maps of the landscape. Sable and Francis illustrate the fluid nature of reality inherent in its expression - its embodiment in networks of relationships with the landscape integral to the cultural psyche and spirituality of the Mi'kmaq. Language has sustained the Mi'kmaq to the present day, a product of a lineage of Elders who spoke it, who danced the dances and walked this land, Mi'kma'ki, carrying its traditions forward despite centuries of cultural disruption, discrimination and degradation. |
| what language is spoken in nova scotia: Language, Culture, and Communication Nancy Bonvillain, 2019-03-20 Language, Culture and Communication, Eight Edition, introduces students to the topics and theories of the board field of linguistic anthropology by examining the multifaceted meanings and uses of language. It emphasizes the ways in which language encapsulates speakers' meanings and intentions. Through language structure and language use, speakers convey messages about their own identities, their understandings of the world and their place in it. The book includes discussion of cultural and symbolic meanings conveyed by language and the social and political dimensions of language use. By using data, this book documents both similarities and differences in human language. New to this Edition: Introduction of the theme of intersectionalities, and the theme of discourse and texts Chapter 3: expansion of discussion on the re-examination of linguistic relativity. Chapter 5: expansion of discussion of how social stratification and racial differences can influence the way politeness is interpreted and the contextual expression of politeness. Chapter 6: New section on digital telephone technologies and innovative literacy practices using cell phones. New section on use of social media platforms with national and international statistics and practices. Expansion of Deaf communities and controversy over cochlear implants. Chapter 8: New section on the inclusions and exclusions of Moroccan immigrant children in Spain through communicative interactions and norms. Chapter 9: Expansion of section on race. New section on the covert expression of racist meanings. Chapter 10: New section on gendered speech in Lakhota New section on men's and women's speech in Yanyuwa, Australia New section on conversational style and the gendering of work places New section on language and sexuality Chapter 11: Updates on the distribution of languages worldwide New section on the development of the American standard. Chapter 12: Expansion of discussion of language and nation building. Expansion of discussion of language shift and language revitalization programs. Chapter 13: expansion of social ideologies and prejudices expressed in public media. |
