Toronto, Nov. 21, 2012 – Canadian English, along with its history, social and regional patterns will be the focus of a symposium Nov. 23 at York University.
Canadian English: Linguistic Variation in Space and Time will bring together York faculty and graduate students, as well as scholars from across the country, to explore how Canada has become a nation of many voices. It will also mark the opening of the Canadian Language Museum exhibit Canadian, eh? on York’s Keele campus, a display that focuses on Canadians' distinctive use of English and the influence of French and Aboriginal languages.

Highlights include:
“Canadian English Then and Now”, with keynote speaker and renowned Canadian linguist Jack Chambers (9:50am)
“Regional Differentiation in Canadian Raising in Canadian Hip Hop Lyrics” with York graduate student Jessica Spieker (11:20am)
“Contact in the City: Phonetic Variation and Ethnic Orientation in Toronto” with York professors Michol Hoffman and James Walker (1:30pm)
“Eh! A Short History of its Social and Discourse-Pragmatic Functions in Canadian English” with University of Toronto graduate student Derek Denis (2:20pm)

What: “Canadian English: Linguistic Variation in Space and Time” symposium
When: Friday, Nov. 23, 2012
Where: 203 Ross Building South, Keele Campus, York University (see map). Presentations run from 9:30am to 4pm.

This event is sponsored by the Department of Languages, Literatures and Linguistics and the Faculty of Liberal Arts and Professional Studies, York University.

York University is helping to shape the global thinkers and thinking that will define tomorrow. York’s unwavering commitment to excellence reflects a rich diversity of perspectives and a strong sense of social responsibility that sets us apart. A York U degree empowers graduates to thrive in the world and achieve their life goals through a rigorous academic foundation balanced by real-world experiential education. As a globally recognized research centre, York is fully engaged in the critical discussions that lead to innovative solutions to the most pressing local and global social challenges. York’s 11 faculties and 28 research centres are thinking bigger, broader and more globally, partnering with 288 leading universities worldwide. York's community is strong − 55,000 students, 7,000 faculty and staff, and more than 250,000 alumni.

Media Contact: Robin Heron, Media Relations, York University, 416-736-2100 x22097 / rheron@yorku.ca