The Verb System in Australian English and Aboriginal English

Seminar paper from the year 2018 in the subject English Language and Literature Studies - Literature, grade: 2,0, University of Cologne, language: English, abstract: In this term paper, the main question that arises is 'What are the forms and functions of the verb system in Aboriginal English and Australian English?'. Thus, studies about verb usages of both varieties of English will be analysed, providing an illustration of differences in both systems. Before dealing with these data in detail, one theory concerning World Englishes and their emergence will be presented in chapter 2.1. One of the theoretical approaches was made by Edgar W. Schneider. His theory is called 'The Dynamic Model of New Englishes.' References of this theory that are utilized in this term paper are 'The dynamics of New Englishes; From identity construction to dialect birth' (2003) and 'Postcolonial English. Varieties around the World' (2007). An explanation of historical, sociolinguistic and linguistic processes leading towards the emergence of New Englishes will thus be given. Secondly, the Verb system will be illustrated in 2.2., giving an overview of how certain verb structures are used by speakers of English. Before dealing with the analysis of examples of both varieties, the sociolinguistic background of both Australian English and Aboriginal English will be taken into account in chapter 3.1. In this part, the question arises where these varieties are spoken and who acquired and speaks them. Moreover, the history of Aboriginal English and Australian English will be explained. The data analysis in chapter 3.2. shows studies and examples of both varieties. Examples made by Ian G. Malcolm, Peter Collins and Pam Peters are mostly significant. Last but not least, a discussion at the end of the term paper will be added. This shall give readers a conclusion of certain data findings of the verb system of Australian English and Aboriginal English and how data findings apply to Schneider´s Dynamic Model and to the research question.