Name : Rofilah Qurrotu’aini Salsabila

Class/Reg. Number : 2018 A/185300100

Subject : Sociolingistics

Language Varieties

In sociolinguistics, language variety also called lect is a general term

for any distinctive form of a language or linguistic expression. Linguists
commonly use language variety (or simply variety) as a cover term for any
of the overlapping subcategories of a language,
including dialect, register, jargon, and idiolect. To understand the meaning
of language varieties, it's important to consider how lects differ
from standard English. Even what constitutes standard English is a topic of
hot debate among linguists.
Varieties of language develop for a number of reasons: differences
can come about for geographical reasons; people who live in different
geographic areas often develop distinct dialects—variations of standard
English. Those who belong to a specific group, often academic or
professional, tend to adopt jargon that is known to and understood by only
members of that select group. Even individuals develop idiolects, their
own specific ways of speaking.