Linguistic Variability in Sheshatshiu Montagnais

Abstract

This paper reports on an investigation into the linguistic variability observable in the Montagnais dialect of Algonquian spoken in the Labrador community of Sheshatshiu (North West River). It outlines some of the difficulties associated with the application of sociolinguistic methodology in a community that displays no overt stratification into social classes, and, in addition, contains many members who are not literate in their native language. The paper demonstrates, nonetheless, that extensive linguistic variability may exist in extremely small native communities, and suggests the chief social correlates of such variability.