Constructing identity: phonetic variation of the variable (ing) by Swedish L2 speakers of English

Abstract: This study investigates the use of the (ing) variable in the speech of Swedish L2 speakers of English. Developments in recent years have led to a shift in the language environment in Sweden, and the position of English has arguably evolved from a foreign language to a second language. The aim of the study is to investigate to what extent and in what ways Swedish L2 speakers’ use of the variable (ing) is affected by extra-linguistic conditioning relating to age, gender and style, in similar ways as have been uncovered in various studies on native speakers of English and L2 immersion learners. Furthermore, the construction of identity is examined based on the application of the variable. Sociolinguistic interviews with twelve participants of different age and gender were conducted to elicit the phonetic variable in different speech styles. Significantly, the study shows that the standard variant [ɪŋ] is favored by the Swedish L1 speakers, but that the choice of variant also is affected by all of the extra-linguistic variables to varying extents. The results show tendencies that the nonstandard [ɪn] is applied more the younger the participants are, if they are male and in less monitored speech styles. Moreover, the participants appear to be constructing their identity through the use of the variable, positioning themselves with English native peers.