Language variation Introduction to Linguistics

LANGUAGE VARIETIES

Language Variety 1 Variety 2 Variety 3 Variety N

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.

How do you know that two dialects are the language varieties of the same language? Mutual intelligibility

prestige Non-standard dialect Standard dialect

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 Socio- economic variation Age variation Gender variation Ethnic variation

Social classes Class divisions are (mainly) based on –Wealth –Education –Social status

People from different social classes speak differently Social class Language patterns

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 [r] pronunciation = high prestige. lack of [r] = low prestige.

New York City, 1972 Saks = high prestige Macy’s = mid-prestige S. Klein = low prestige

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?