Creating Canadian English: A systemic functional linguistic analysis of First Nations loan words in early Canadian texts

This dissertation presents the results of my exploration of the interactions among linguistic strata through close lexicogrammatical analyses of Canadian aboriginal loan words in the context of early Canadian English texts, using the tool of systemic functional linguistics. Based on an exploration of hundreds of these contextual examples, I argue that the same tension which existed (and exists) between English-speaking settlers and the Native population is reflected in the appropriation of words from aboriginal languages: essentially, these words are simultaneously employed for an exoticism that borders on fantasy while also evoking the fear of the wild so prevalent within early interactions among the inhabitants of Canada. This tension is evident at the level of the context of culture, and is also reflected in the use of these terms in their lexicogrammatical contexts. Further, because these words are considered an essential part of the Canadian language and its distinctiveness, such connotational meaning embedded within them provides a valuable insight into not only the words themselves but also the culture which employs them.