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 ones 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.