Language variation Introduction to Linguistics. LANGUAGE VARIETIES.
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Transcript of Language variation Introduction to Linguistics. LANGUAGE VARIETIES.
Language variation
Introduction to Linguistics
LANGUAGE VARIETIES
Dialects
• A language variety spoken by a group of speakers.
• The language variety is characterized by systematic differences from other varieties of the same language.
slang
• “words and phrases peculiar to a particular group and often regarded as non-standard and inferior.“ (Todd & Hancock, International English Usage, 1986)
• Stylistic choices in vocabulary• Informal and casual uses of words
• Common slang– TV for television
– Fridge for refrigerator
– Fan for fanatic
– beemer: a BMW
– bitch [offensive] : a very unpleasant woman
– Aussie : Australian• In-group slang
– Gang slangs
jargon
• Technical terms in a specific field. – Computer: software, RAM
– Jazz music: cool
– Baseball: to strike out
Idolect
• A peculiar individual style of language variety
FACTORS INFLUENCING VARIATION
Regional and geographic variation
Social factors
Social classes
• Class divisions are (mainly) based on – Wealth
– Education
– Social status
People from different social classes speak differently
A case study: [r] variation
• New York City, 1972• In three different department stores
– ‘where are the women’s shoes?’
• They are on the fourth floor.
– ‘Excuse me, what floor is this?’
• It’s the fourth floor.
In New York speech
New York City, 1972
A case study: [r] variation
• In three different department stores– ‘where are the women’s shoes?’
• They are on the fourth floor.
– ‘Excuse me, what floor is this?’
• It’s the fourth floor.
Why can’t a woman be more like a man? - My Fair Lady
Reality check
women -
• talk more than men• talk too much• are more polite, are
indecisive/hesitant• complain and nag• ask more questions• support each other, are
more co-operative
men -
• swear more• don't talk about emotions• talk about sport more• talk about women and
machines in the same way• insult each other frequently• are competitive in
conversation• dominate conversation• speak with more authority• give more commands,
interrupt more.
Living Language (2000) by George Keith and John Shuttleworth
Reality check
QUESTIONS?