Linguistic varieties and multinational nations Introduction to Sociolinguistics

How to categorize languages Status Social functions

vernacular languages an uncodified or unstandardized variety. The first language of a group socially or politically dominated by a group with a different language. The most colloquial variety in one’s linguistic repertoire. The variety used for daily interaction in informal domains.

Standard languages Written Codified Grammar and dictionaries A prestigious variety Economic, social, and political influences Not linguistic merits

World Englishes

Lingua franca A common language for communication between speakers whose first languages are different.

Pidgins Initially developed as a language of communication Trade No native speakers.

Three features Pidgins are used in restricted domains and functions Pidgins have a simplified and mixed linguistic structure. H-vocabulary L-grammar Pidgins have low prestige and receive negative attitudes.

creoles A pidgin becomes a creole when there are creole native speakers.