«The vulgar tongue»: Charles Dickens and the transcription of the spoken language
Are you already subscribed?
Login to check
whether this content is already included on your personal or institutional subscription.
Abstract
The tradition of the novel in English habitually makes use of a variety of techniques to represent non-standard language, effecting transformations at the level of grammar, syntax and lexis. The uncertain correspondence between pronunciation and spelling facilitates expresssive techniques of this kind. Each of the aspects in the novels of Dickens, for example, are characterised by a distinct idiolect, not necessarily, or not always, comic.
Keywords
- Charles Dickens
- the spoken language
- idiolect