ABSTRACT
This part introduction presents an overview of the key concepts discussed in the subsequent chapters. The part is concerned with the use of forms of the auxiliaries do and has in the expression of aspectual differences in the English verb, where aspect is taken to mean not location of an event in time, as with tense, but its distribution in and through time. It shows that many of the dialects of the south-west of England have an additional distinction. The part looks at a form of do as an aspectual marker. It focuses on extensive and sensitive research carried out in Anniston, Alabama, USA, and employs data obtained through both systematic and casual observations. Irish English, like Alabama English, may demonstrate certain characteristics because of language contact, but, as Gachelin also reminds us, archaism and innovation must also play a role.
