Negotiating social meanings in a plural society: Social perceptions of variants of /l/ in Singapore English

Abstract This study illustrates how speech features that emerged from language contact and acquisition in a pluralistic society can accrue diverse social-indexical meanings over time. The social perceptions towards three variants of coda /l/ Singapore English—namely dark-l, the variant associated with prescriptive norms, clear-l vocalised-l, which are arose through contact—are examined. findings show vocalised-l specific ethnic groups have equally meanings, but their evolved differently; is an emerging local standard, whereas remains largely stigmatised. Their shown to be connected by factors within network interrelated signs, interpretations dependent on hearer's experiences, such we observing different parts sociolinguistic reality. Restricted experiences world regulation perception also potentially contribute accent-based prejudices. (Indexicality, contact, ethnolect, lateral consonant, new Englishes, perception)*