ABSTRACT
The main focus of this book is the investigation of implicit and explicit attitudes towards linguistic variation in English. However, in order to contextualise the study for the reader, this chapter provides a concise overview of English language use in England. The chapter begins with a discussion of the concept of Englishness. It continues with an examination of the north-south divide in England in terms of economic, health, political and social differences and then details existing stereotypes surrounding the north and the south of England. Following a brief overview of English language diversity in England, the chapter concludes with an exploration of the geographical and perceptual boundaries where varieties of Northern English and Southern English are spoken and details the linguistic features which distinguish each.
