Language in Social Context

By: Julie Wethy

PhenomenonLanguage varies according to the social

communityLanguage also expresses group identity,

insiders from outsiders, the cool from pathetically unhip, and friend from foe.

Language is suited to small group interest and experiences such as families, couples, friends, roommates, and co-workers

Larger social groups are often labeled with a social dialect based upon social class, ethnic factors, gender and age.

Ebonics EmergesAfrican-American Vernacular English (AAVE)

is often known as Black EnglishEbonics is used by African Americans in the

work place and inner citiesMany people look down upon Ebonics while

others see it as a proud and positive symbol Anyone can pick up a new lingo if exposed to

it long enough

Gender WarsGender roles influence linguistic behaviors

more than genderIn 1970, the U.S. Department of Labor

eliminated gender bias from their job title list“Ms” is a feminine alternative is “Miss”

Pronounced “Miz”May indicate widowed or divorced

“Guy” is normally masculine but “guys” has become gender neutral referring to all feminine group

The “American” LanguageLanguage either unites or divides peopleThe United States was founded upon diversity

and differenceDiversity has given way to the American

language which is EnglishLanguage loss is common for immigrants to the

United StatesThere is a lack of teachers teaching “how” to

speak English for ESL studentsEnglish is spoken by more than 90% of

Americans

Literacy ScareA report in the 1990’s indicates that less than

50% of Americans could readIn the midst of literacy crisis, politicians

legislate more standardized testingToo much time is spent on test-taking

strategies and too little time on actual literacy practices

No test can address the amount to time spent on literacy activities and practices