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Article
Evaluations of Hawaii Creole English and standard English
Journal Of Language And Social Psychology
  • Mary Lynn Fiore Ohama, University of Hawaii
  • Carolyn C. Gotay, University of Hawaii
  • Ian S. Pagano, University of Hawaii
  • Larry Boles, University of the Pacific
  • Dorothy D. Craven, University of Hawaii
Document Type
Article
DOI
10.1177/0261927X00019003005
Publication Date
9-1-2000
Abstract

The growing number of multicultural dialect and creole speakers entering the public school system underlines the importance of understanding perceptions pertaining to language standards and differences. Previous research has shown a consistent evaluative difference between nonstandard and standard linguistic forms. In this study, 197 university students were randomly assigned to rate an audio tape delivered in Hawaii Creole English or Standard English. Results were similar to previous studies in that the speaker’s language had a significant impact on the listeners’ ratings. Listeners rated Standard English higher on superiority traits and quality of speech. However, Hawaii Creole English was favored on dynamism traits. Furthermore, listeners’ own ethnicity and language ability influenced their ratings on quality, attractiveness, and dynamism. Findings have implications for educational programs designed to teach English and for the broad multicultural population.

Citation Information
Mary Lynn Fiore Ohama, Carolyn C. Gotay, Ian S. Pagano, Larry Boles, et al.. "Evaluations of Hawaii Creole English and standard English" Journal Of Language And Social Psychology Vol. 19 Iss. 3 (2000) p. 357 - 377 ISSN: 0261-927X
Available at: http://works.bepress.com/larry-boles/38/