STYLISTIC VARIATION IN ENGLISH DIALECTS: A STUDY OF REGIONAL ACCENTS IN MEDIA REPRESENTATION

Abstract

This article examines the representation of regional accents in the media, and more 
specifically how stylistic variation found across English dialects contributes to 
popular notions of identity, class-divisions, and socio-cultural distinctions. Globalized 
media representation provides inflection with a heavy load, from stereotypes and 
regional differences to social prejudices. This paper explores the characteristics of 
different English dialects (British, American and others) through analysis of TV, Film 
and digital media. The study uses discourse analytic methodology to explore how 
regional accents are handled as part of network narratives and what effect they do or 
do not have on the audiences' perception of social stratification and cultural plurality. 
Results reveal that the media tends to relate to certain accents regarding personal 
characteristics, social class and moral values, so being able to perpetuate or judge 
regional stereotypes. This study takes a sociolinguistic approach to examine variation 
in media representation and attitudes to language in society.