Auxiliary verbs, frequencies, and the identity of Scots

Abstract

This paper is based on a computerised corpus of dramatic texts in Scots. Following detailed analysis of frequencies of the primary auxiliary verb BE in several comparable corpuses, it will consider its findings for the typological relationship said to exist between different varieties of Scots, and between them and Standard English. In addition, other theoretical implications which will be considered include not only the speech realism of the dramatic dialogue but also questions of autonomy and heteronomy within English dialects.