1. What impression do you get of Zadie Smith's novel "NW"?
2. What can you say about her use of language and sociolect based on the excerpt she reads here?
I want you to discuss and comment on each other's points rather than just answering the questions.
Well, the novel seems to be some sort of political fiction, focusing on the different social classes.
And the sociolect in the novel is sort of.. well, northern influenced at least, maybe a bit working class. It's a bit close to cockney, but then again far from.
And the sociolect in the novel is sort of.. well, northern influenced at least, maybe a bit working class. It's a bit close to cockney, but then again far from.
So what was it? you just gave 3 examples. Im sorry but the last sentence was, just so fucking funny to read :)
@Anonymous: What I said wasn't to be considered as three different examples, but as one whole. I think we might be talking about a person from a working class in northern London - and my argument for that is the cockney-like style.
I'm not an expert on this one, I can't say which one it IS - only what I think it is.
And if the sentence was funny to read because of the word "COCKney", you're not getting enough sex!
I think it's hard to judge the whole novel from a 2 minute read up. From what I picked up, I honestly think I would be bored to death reading it. Think maybe it's the pace of it. However, I can't imagine it's as dull all the way through. As for the sociolect I don't think it was under working class. I've talked to English working class people who used twice the slang and fifty times more cussing. It really takes a day(or pint) or two to really understand what those guys are saying all the time.
Aaaah, yes, I love Zadie!
ReplyDeleteWell, the novel seems to be some sort of political fiction, focusing on the different social classes.
And the sociolect in the novel is sort of.. well, northern influenced at least, maybe a bit working class. It's a bit close to cockney, but then again far from.
Katrine B
/megetvoksen.blogspot.com
And the sociolect in the novel is sort of.. well, northern influenced at least, maybe a bit working class. It's a bit close to cockney, but then again far from.
DeleteSo what was it? you just gave 3 examples. Im sorry but the last sentence was, just so fucking funny to read :)
I would agree that it is working class or maybe even lower because of all the slang in the direct speak.
Delete@Anonymous: What I said wasn't to be considered as three different examples, but as one whole. I think we might be talking about a person from a working class in northern London - and my argument for that is the cockney-like style.
DeleteI'm not an expert on this one, I can't say which one it IS - only what I think it is.
And if the sentence was funny to read because of the word "COCKney", you're not getting enough sex!
Du er en meget underlig pige Kathrine :)
DeleteI think it's hard to judge the whole novel from a 2 minute read up. From what I picked up, I honestly think I would be bored to death reading it. Think maybe it's the pace of it. However, I can't imagine it's as dull all the way through.
ReplyDeleteAs for the sociolect I don't think it was under working class. I've talked to English working class people who used twice the slang and fifty times more cussing. It really takes a day(or pint) or two to really understand what those guys are saying all the time.