Polishchuk G. Norm and Variation in the System of Diphthongs in British English and American English (A Study of Lexicographic Sources)

The dissertation deals with the investigation of free phonemic variation (FPV) of diphthongs in Received Pronunciation and General American pronunciation. The inventory of FPV of diphthongs was systematized and given linguistic interpretation. The connection of FPV of diphthongs in the phonemic structures of the words with other word characteristics such as syllabic, accentual, morphemic, the phonemic length of the words is substantiated. Common and distinctive features of FPV of diphongs are revealed in British and American English. The characteristic features of FPV of diphthongs are proved to be dependent on the action of particular factors which restrict or facilitate the process of FPV in the structure of words. Current tendencies in free phonemic variation of diphthongs are defined.