Vnímání variant angličtiny nerodilými mluvčími

Darina Zmateková

Bachelor's thesis

Varieties of English as Perceived by Non-native Speakers

Abstract:

This thesis deals with the perception of chosen varieties of English, mainly British Standard and American Standard. The theoretical part includes and explains the main terminology used in this work and therefore gives a space for the practical part, which is based on research realized by a questionnaire. The thesis focuses on the English language, its characterization and historical development, it also consists of a description of the differences between both varieties. In addition, it outlines the issues concerning the perception of the two varieties by both native and non-native speakers of English. This part is based on real stories retrieved from The Accentism Project and also few studies regarding popularity, likeability and stereotyping of Standard American English and Standard British English. Research in the practical part is carried out in a form of a questionnaire proceeding the first part of the work. This paper has four key aims. Firstly, it is to collect data of the respondents´ preference and awareness of Standard American or Standard British English, whether they favour one variety or the other. Secondly, the questionnaire is used to determine whether they distinguish different accents and which accent is similar to theirs. Thirdly, it analyses whether the respondents are able to recognise the two standards from a grammatical and lexical points of view. Lastly, it focuses on whether they are more likely to use Standard American or Standard British grammar and vocabulary. Generally, the purpose of the practical part is to examine and discuss attitudes, consciousness, and the ability to recognize each standard from the other. The sample of respondents does not consist only of one group of respondents, they differ in age, education and gender, however, it is composed mainly of Czech citizens. The whole work is written in English.

Keywords

English, varieties, perception, non-native speakers

Language used: English

Date on which the thesis was submitted / produced: 9. 6. 2021

Thesis defence

• Date of defence: 26. 8. 2021
• Supervisor: Mgr. Michal Pištora
• Reader: Mgr. Vladimíra Ježdíková, Ph.D.

University of Hradec Králové

Faculty of Education

Bachelor programme / field:
Filologie / Cizí jazyky pro cestovní ruch - anglický jazyk, Cizí jazyky pro cestovní ruch - ruský jazyk