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?