Labov on vowel shifts

[Tom Zurinskas]

William Labov  ~Lebbuf (stress last syllable)
on vowel shifts
"mergers are one way - the merged area expands.  cot/caught is 50%
people don't realize merger is going on.  Language is not very stable."

"boo" and french "boo" - can you hear the difference?"  I can't as he says it.
"do" and "dew" - can you hear the difference?"  I can't as he says it.
"Vowel shifts to the overall standard."  -  not with cot/caught

http://www.npr.org/player/v2/mediaPlayer.html?action=1&t=1&islist=false&id=5220090&m=5220091

Tom Zurinskas, Conn 20 yrs, Tenn 3, NJ 33, now Fl 9.
See how English spelling links to sounds at http://justpaste.it/ayk

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