This study analyses the realization of word-final /k/ in read and casual speech by female pupils in a Glasgow high school, specifically focusing on the realization of word final velar ejectives. The literature on ejectives in varieties of English is still at a very early stage and much of what we know of them is mainly anecdotal or comes from accepted, yet often unsubstantiated statements: they are more prominent word-finally, they usually do not follow voiceless sounds, they are found in varieties of Northern English. My research aims to identify the phonetic and linguistic factors that promote ejective use and to also gain a better understanding of who are using ejectives more and what social factors this depends on. In doing this I found that there is more going on than just independent factors at work. Instead the social factors of age and ethnicity seem to play crucial roles in ejective realization. Overall this study found some intriguing initial results showing that ejective realization of /k/ is now very common in these Glaswegian girls. It seems as if this represents a real-time change in Glasgow – though more data/study is needed to establish this
