ABSTRACT
Chapter 4 explores variations in vowel realisations. Each variation contributes different insights into Australian English and social meaning within this. First, in the overview section, the Australian English sound system is introduced alongside a critical review of some of the literature surrounding variation in Australian English produced to date. Then the analysis of derby shows that it is particularly linked to regional variation. Via questionnaire and interview task self-report data and comments, the availability of insights via attending closely to folklinguistic accounts begins to be demonstrated. In relation to variation in a subset of BATH words, the analysis sheds light on how previous research has conflated levels of indexicality, and that discourse includes detailed social imagery. The discussion of stressed versus unstressed vowels in particular suffixes demonstrates that variation which may be linked to larger political concerns (“Americanisation”) is noticed by some but is viewed as inconsequential by many young Melbournians. The final section relates to a feature which was not part of the interview or questionnaire tasks but was discussed in detail by one participant. This reveals her control and ability to comment via voicings, which is graphed in her DRESS and TRAP vowel production within the account in comparison to her use within the interview.
