The English Language in Philadelphia, 1725-1800

FAIN: FT-12344-75

Michael P. Peinovich
University of Pennsylvania (Philadelphia, PA 19104-6205)

To undertake a descriptive study of the dialect of English spoken in Philadelphia from 1725 to 1800. Study will be done in two stages. First stage would include all contemporary comment on or discussion of the English speech in Philadelphia, including comments on local speech, discussions of correct and incorrect usage, s of the various curricula used to teach English, Latin or rhetoric, and explanations of place names and the special jargon of local trades and customs. 8 to 10 primary texts would be selected for more detailed examination during the second part of the study. It was during this period that the differences between British and American English became solidified and when the three large American dialects-Northern, Midlands and Southern arose.