How Skookum is This? A Survey of Variation and Change in Vancouver English

Abstract

This study examines linguistic variation and change in Vancouver English (VE), focusing on shifts in the currency and vitality of local terms, general vocabulary usage, and pronunciation patterns across different age and gender groups. Using data from the Survey of Vancouver English (SVEN) (1974-1984) and the Survey of Canadian English (SCE) (1972) for comparison, this research investigates whether local vocabulary–particularly words deriving from Chinook Jargon—has declined among younger speakers. Additionally, it analyzes general vocabulary preferences to assess whether VE has converged with Standard Canadian and American English. Results indicate a significant decline in local lexical items, with younger speakers showing minimal usage and knowledge of these terms. Words such as saltchuck and oolichan have largely disappeared from younger Vancouverites’ lexicons, while skookum has undergone a semantic shift from ‘strong’ to ‘cool’ or ‘great.’ Pronunciation changes, such as the shift in the local place name, Kitsilano, further support a trend toward linguistic standardization. Additionally, general vocabulary preferences reveal a continued movement away from traditional Canadianisms such as chesterfield and eavestroughs, toward more widespread North American terms. The findings suggest that VE is undergoing a shift towards a more standard, homogeneous form of speech, evidenced by the disappearance of distinct local terms and pronunciations.