Canaan Lan
PhD
Sociophonetics
Canaan is a PhD student and graduate researcher currently serving as an academic associate. Her research focuses on sociophonetics, particularly the acoustic properties of Singapore English (SgE), exploring sound variation and change in relation to linguistic and social factors in multilingual, postcolonial contexts. Canaan is also interested in language use, identity, and the role of Singlish in contemporary Singaporean society. Through a combination of qualitative and acoustic analysis, her work aims to contribute to a better understanding of language evolution, variation, and the socio-cultural influences shaping communication in postcolonial environments.
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Thesis
Vowel variation and language attitudes: A sociophonetic study of Singapore English among Gen Z and millennial Singaporeans
My thesis investigates sound variation and change in Singapore English across two generations of Singaporeans born after English became the sole medium of instruction in schools. I recorded 24 participants reading wordlists, passages, and speaking in casual and formal settings. The results show that some vowel pairs, like DRESS and TRAP, sound similar, but subtle differences emerged in words like bread or egg across speakers. Interviews revealed diverse views on Singlish and SgE, with younger speakers more positive about Singlish's role in their identity. This thesis contributes to research on language variation and change, and language use in postcolonial contexts.
Research interests
- Sociophonetics
- Phonetics
- Sociolinguistics
- Language variation and change
- Singapore English