Codes, convergence and divergence LO: to understand further issues about Language and Occupation

Starter: Look at the examples below. In each case, try to explain what kind of language interaction is taking place and what form of utterance the speaker is using. Come in. And is that the verdict of you all? Is it convenient to speak now, or shall I call back later? This is due to points failure at Bristol. We'd like to offer you the job. Cabin crew, seats for landing. Could [name] go to checkout 15, please? Dearly beloved, we are gathered together... You have the right to remain silent. Have you got the results of Mrs. X's scan? One club sandwich and one mushroom stroganoff.

Occupational Codes Codes are a way in which jargon is used: while some jargon is understood widely (e.g. x-ray), some are more exclusive, because they shut out people who do not know them. This happens when doctors share a common lexicon (think of things like ECG, CAT-scan, myocardial infarction, prima gravida). It is opaque to outsiders, and meant to be. (Increasingly, outsiders are aware of this medical lexicon, thanks to TV drama - you won't learn to be a doctor by watching ER or Casualty, but you may learn to understand the doctors' code.)

Occupational Codes All retail and hospitality outlets, for example, have coded tannoy announcements that, it is expected, will only be understood by staff. This is a staff announcement. We have a code three. Can Mr Stack please report to the manager’s office. Why is the use of such codes important? Consider why it might be important to have exclusivity in a language variety.

Convergence and Divergence In 1973, Howard Giles’ Accommodation Theory became an important and recognised aspect of linguistics. Giles theorised that speakers try to make their language resemble, and be more in line with, that of their audience to improve communication. (convergence) In contrast, some speakers may attempt to use language to distance and distinguish themselves from others. (divergence) Can you think of some contexts where convergence and divergence might occur and why?

In this transcription, a history teacher is talking to a Year 8 class. T = teacher, S = pupil Sofia Can you identify ways in which the teacher converges with her class? Why do you think she does this?

Thinking about divergence… In what ways would it be beneficial for the teacher to ensure her language diverges from the students’?

Writing appropriately for the register Thinking about convergence and divergence, rewrite this letter (clearly not in an appropriate register!). When you have written it, list the language features you have used. Use the worksheet with details of written occupation texts to help you.

Putting our understanding of occupational register into practice Read and annotate the transcript of surgeons carrying out a routine operation on an anaesthetised patient, observed by a student doctor. Identify aspects of these conversations which may be surprising to an outsider. Try to offer an explanation for these.

Plenary How might you apply some of these ideas to the occupation you are researching for your individual investigations.

Homework Conduct some wider reading about language and occupation. Places to look: JSTOR Google Scholar (some articles are freely available as PDFs) Dan Clayton’s blog The Library!