Mapping perceptions in New Englishes

Abstract

This chapter presents a case study illustrating the validity of employing a mixed-methods approach based on a draw-a-map task and semi-structured sociolinguistic interviews in language attitude research of a New Englishes context. This is illustrated by the analysis of two data sets. First, 49 participants drew perceptual maps of St Kitts and Nevis. The analysis of these maps shows that the participants exhibit complex perceptual landscapes, including areas with varying degrees of fine-grained subdivisions. In addition, interview data from sociolinguistic interviews allows for triangulation of the data and furthermore provides additional information. Thus, this chapter shows how a mixed-methods approach, including map-drawing tasks, can enrich the toolbox of research in New Englishes.