American Speech
A Chronicle of Linguistic Evolution: Exploring the dynamic landscape of the English language in the Western Hemisphere and beyond.
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About American Speech
Scholarly Foundation
American Speech is a distinguished quarterly academic journal published by Duke University Press on behalf of the American Dialect Society. Established in 1925, it is a cornerstone publication in the field of linguistics, primarily focusing on the English language as it is used within the Western Hemisphere. Its scope, however, extends to encompass other global varieties of English, the influences shaping the language, and foundational principles of linguistic theory.
Editorial Leadership
The journal is currently under the esteemed editorial direction of Thomas Purnell, affiliated with the University of Wisconsin–Madison. This leadership ensures the continued high standard of scholarship and relevance that American Speech consistently provides to the academic community.
Accessibility and Reliability
Recognized by The Chronicle of Higher Education's Lingua Franca section as a "consistently reliable peer-reviewed source of information," American Speech strikes a commendable balance. While rigorously scholarly and research-based, its content is often presented in a manner that remains accessible and intelligible to a broader audience, even those without specialized training in linguistics.
Historical Trajectory
Genesis and Vision
The journal's inception in 1925 was driven by the collaborative vision of Kemp Malone, Louise Pound, and Arthur G. Kennedy. Their founding objective was to disseminate information about English as used in America in a format that would resonate with general readers. This initiative was notably inspired by the influential journalist and critic H. L. Mencken, whose own work championed the study of American vernacular.
Formal Affiliation
In 1970, American Speech formally became the official journal of the American Dialect Society. This integration solidified its role within the linguistic community, ensuring its continued dedication to documenting and analyzing the evolving nature of language, particularly within the American context.
Among the New Words
Documenting Linguistic Innovation
A distinctive and highly valued feature of American Speech is its section titled "Among the New Words." Introduced in 1941 by Dwight Bolinger, this segment is dedicated to identifying and meticulously documenting recent neologisms—newly coined words or expressions. It provides crucial lexicographical evidence, tracing the usage and origins of these evolving linguistic elements.
Indexing and Visibility
Scholarly Databases
To ensure broad accessibility and integration within the academic research landscape, American Speech is meticulously indexed by a comprehensive array of leading scholarly databases and services. This indexing facilitates discovery and citation, underscoring the journal's importance in linguistic research.
Key Resources
Official Journal Homepage
The primary portal for accessing the journal's content, submission guidelines, and editorial information is its official website, maintained by Duke University Press.
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Related Portals
For broader context on American studies and linguistic resources, the following portals offer valuable supplementary information:
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References
References
- American Speech, Duke University Press. Accessed February 21, 2008.
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Disclaimer
Important Notice
This document has been generated by an Artificial Intelligence, drawing upon publicly available data from Wikipedia. It is intended solely for informational and educational purposes. While efforts have been made to ensure accuracy and comprehensiveness based on the source material, it may not reflect the most current information or nuances.
This is not professional academic or linguistic advice. The content presented here should not substitute for direct consultation of the official journal, scholarly databases, or expert guidance from qualified linguists or academics. Always consult primary sources and academic professionals for definitive research and interpretation.
The creators of this page assume no liability for any errors, omissions, or actions taken based on the information provided herein.