Dialect Variety In Britain
Dialect is defined as the language variety where the speaker’s cultural and social backgrounds influence him to use different grammar and vocabulary. This might be observed as a problem in UK because different people from different backgrounds have settled here from time to time. The English that is spoken in UK is quite different from what is spoken in USA, Canada or Australia. The accent is quite difficult and British try to use these accents to differentiate them from the others. However, situation becomes worst for the foreigners. No doubt, whether the foreigners are from English speaking countries or are from any other language background (Chambers & Trudgill, 1997). The foreigners are subjected to various constraints because of their inability to pronounce words or spell words like British do. This seems to be a total barrier in their way of progress. As the immigration system of UK has prevailed over time, it has become the foremost option for many as the first place for their second residence; it has presented far more complications for them. The researches have been conducted by various neutral entities and the results state that when a foreigner comes to UK, he has to spend at least 2 to 3 months to clearly understand what is being said to him. The change in dialect and accent can only be understood if more time is spent with the people living there. As understanding becomes a problem, anyone can be sure that he will not be able to get a job either at a patrol pump or even at a grocery store where confrontations with the customers are very often. The employers are keen to hire those who have certain experience with the work and knowledge of the English that is being spoken in the country (Chambers & Trudgill, 1997).
The situation becomes more critical if someone moves from England to Scotland. The pronunciation of words is different in each of the countries in United Kingdom. The cultural and social aspects may have similarities but the language problems are present even for the natives. The societies where the natives have problems if they move from one place to other quite easily dictate the situation which foreigners will bear. The students on the other hands have to pass an IELTS exam which is used to check their competencies with English, but the problems with them are even more. Even after passing the IELTS, they speak English as their Second Language and by all means this is barely enough for the education. Students from countries like China and Japan are the most influenced in these cases where they start learning English only when they apply for foreign education (Trudgill, 1992). The problems arise for them when the institutes require them to write assignments in native language.
On consistent basis, the problems are always there when someone moves to another country and starts to speak another language. The problems are much less in other English speaking countries like Australia and USA, but the life opportunities are better in UK. Therefore they are always much preferred by students but the problems of dialect and accent are the major barriers which cause their progress to slow down, the change in dialect makes much more sense for the foreigners than any other who comes to UK. This problem can only be dealt with patience and adaptability which comes from spending time with the natives (Trudgill, 1992).