Question

In William Labov's Martha's Vineyard study, what is/are the sound change/s involved?

• A. Vowel diphthongization
• B. Rhoticization
• C. Diphthong centralization
• D. Vowel lengthening

Hint:

Labov's study highlighted how social factors, like age and social identity, can influence sound changes such as diphthong centralization.

Answer 1

The Correct Option is C

Step 1: Understanding Labov's Martha's Vineyard study. 
In his study, Labov found that vowel sounds in Martha's Vineyard underwent a process of centralization, particularly in the diphthongs. This phenomenon involved the shifting of vowel sounds toward a more centralized articulation in the mouth. 
Step 2: Evaluating the options. 
(A) Vowel diphthongization: Not the main sound change in this study. 
(B) Rhoticization: Not involved in Labov's Martha's Vineyard study. 
(C) Diphthong centralization: Correct. This is the main sound change observed in the study.
(D) Vowel lengthening: Not the primary focus of the study.