Presents a study showing that New Zealanders have very different attitudes to variants that sociolinguists have lumped together in the past suggests that globalization with localization is an important principle for variationists to take into account. (Author/VWL)

Discusses two conflicting hypotheses concerning the nature of the New Zealand English short vowel system. Concludes that both hypotheses are to a certain extent wrong and to a certain extent correct. (Author/VWL)

Examines how successfully changes in the high- and mid-front and -back vowels in the South are being disseminated throughout a local urban community, and how these changes fit in with changes occurring in other American dialects. Weighs the attraction to local or national norms in determining success and diffusion of shifts relative to the social…

Presents evidence that /u/-fronting, a sound change observable in California Anglo speakers is found in the majority Mexican-American community as well, among Chicano speakers of English. Results of the study underscore the need to analyze variation within the context of those social categories that are of particular significance to the specific…