Frequency-Based Professionalism Evaluation of (ing) and (t)-Deletion in England and Pennsylvania

This study investigates the social evaluation of linguistic variation and the cognitive monitoring processes involved. Recognizing the need for cross-regional research that keeps experimental factors constant, we focus on (ing) and (t)-deletion. We investigate frequency evaluation as managed in England, UK (N = 200), and in Pennsylvania, US (N = 150). Results for (ing) indicate no significant effect of [ɪn]-frequency in England, while in Pennsylvania the frequency of [ɪn] significantly affects ratings regarding perceived professionalism. We also found evidence for listeners' awareness of the attitude target (N = 15) to affect their ratings regarding perceived professionalism. Variation in (t)-deletion did not prompt any significant differences.