A comparison of connected speech processes in standard English and Maltese English

Abstract

This study consists of a qualitative analysis of connected speech processes as adopted by three speakers of English: a Standard English speaker and two Maltese speakers of English. The phonological processes under consideration include both assimilatory and non-assimilatory processes. The data is elicited by means of a 'design task', a task in which the Standard English speaker assumes the role of 'interior designer' while the Maltese English speakers that of 'clients'. The speech processes of the two Maltese English speakers are compared to those of the Standard English speaker. Special emphasis is laid on the degree to which spoken Maltese English is influenced by the phonetics and phonology of Standard Maltese.