Vowels SQUARE

The BCDP data indicate that SQUARE typically has [εə > ε: ~ ə:]. According to Wells (1982: 361), merger with NURSE may variably occur in the WM dialect (probably as [з:]). Where there is no merger, Northern speakers often have monophthongal [ε:]. Hughes and Trudgill (1996: 55) have WM [œ:], evidencing NEAR-SQUARE merger.

Mathisen (1999: 110) holds that most speakers have a monophthong, although some older speakers may have [εə], while Painter (1963: 30) has BC , realized as , but alternating with , realized as . Again, these can be interpreted as instances of NEAR-SQUARE merger. A similar phenomenon can be observed for onset raising (apparently yielding ) in Bm/BC <theer>/ <thee’er>there, <w(h)eer> where, for which there is written evidence.

Heath (1980: 87) has [ε:] for Cannock.