DEPARTMENT OF COMMUNICATION AND LANGUAGES

INTRODUCTION TO LANGUAGE IN SOCIETY

ASSIGNMENT 2, SEMESTER 1 2023
NAME: Ndeshihafela C Indeni
Student number: 223036706
Due date: 13th April 2023
Assignment: 2

Lecturer’s name: Prof. Niklaas Fredericks

 Linguistic aspects according to which language may differ
The word language describes a body of words and the systems we apply to those words,
such as grammar and spelling, in order to communicate with each other. A language includes
both the spoken and written forms of the words and systems. Some examples of languages
include English, Spanish, Arabic, Japanese, and Hindi. The word dialect describes a particular
variety of a language. A dialect often follows most of the rules of its respective language, but
it may have different vocabulary, grammar, or pronunciations. Most dialects are recognized
by their usage in a specific geographic area, but dialects may be determined by other criteria
such as social class. Some examples of dialects include Australian English, Chilean Spanish,
Egyptian Arabic, and Jamaican Patois (dictionary.com, 2023). In this essay, we will explore
three linguistic aspects according to which dialects should be used in discussions.

Firstly, it is essential to consider the audience when deciding which dialect to use in a
discussion. Different dialects can have significantly different grammar, vocabulary, and
pronunciation, which can make it difficult for people who are not familiar with the dialect to
understand. For example, someone who is used to speaking standard American English may
find it challenging to understand the unique vocabulary and pronunciation of a Southern
American dialect. Therefore, it is important to choose a dialect that is appropriate for the
audience to ensure that everyone can participate in the discussion and understand each
other’s views.

Secondly, dialects can reflect significant social and cultural differences between different
communities. The way people speak can reveal their social class, education level, or even
their political and religious affiliations. For example, the use of certain vocabulary or
pronunciation can indicate whether someone is from a rural or urban area, or whether they
belong to a particular ethnic or religious group. Therefore, it is crucial to be aware of these
nuances when choosing a dialect for a discussion, as it can help to avoid misunderstandings
and promote respectful communication between different groups.

In many localities, dialectal differences are connected with social classes, educational levels,
or both. More-highly educated speakers and, often, those belonging to a higher social class
tend to use more features belonging to the standard language, whereas the original dialect
of the region is better preserved in the speech of the lower and less-educated classes. In
large urban centres, innovations unknown in the former dialect of the region frequently
develop. Thus, in cities the social stratification of dialects is especially relevant and far-
reaching, whereas in rural areas, with a conservative way of life, the traditional geographic
dialectal differentiation prevails. Educational differences between speakers strongly affect
the extent of their vocabulary (Crysta & Ivic, 2023).

Finally, dialects can also reflect the historical and geographical context of a community.
Many dialects have developed over time as a result of the unique linguistic and cultural
influences that have shaped a particular region or community. For example, the different
dialects spoken in the United Kingdom can be traced back to the historical divisions between
different regions and kingdoms. Understanding these historical and geographical contexts
can provide valuable insights into the cultural and social dynamics of different communities,
and can help to foster greater understanding and respect between people from different
backgrounds.

Geographic dialects include local ones (e.g., the Yankee English of Cape Cod or of Boston,
the Russian of Moscow or of Smolensk) or broader regional ones, such as Delaware Valley
English, Australian English, or Tuscan Italian. Such entities are of unequal rank; South
Carolina English, for instance, is included in Southern American English. Regional dialects do
have some internal variation, but the differences within a regional dialect are supposedly
smaller than differences between two regional dialects of the same rank. In a number of
areas (“linguistic landscapes”) where the dialectal differentiation is essentially even, it is
hardly justified to speak of regional dialects (Crysta & Ivic, 2023).

In conclusion, dialects are an essential aspect of language that can provide valuable insights
into the cultural, social and historical dynamics of different communities. When choosing a
dialect for a discussion, it is crucial to consider the audience, social and cultural differences,
and historical and geographical contexts to ensure effective communication and promote
mutual respect and understanding.
References
(2023, March 20). Retrieved from Wikipedia: https://en.wikipedia.org

(2023, April 4). Retrieved from https://www.dictionary.com

(2023, April 4). Retrieved from dictionary.com: https://www.dictionary.com

Crysta, D., & Ivic, P. (2023, January 26). Retrieved from britannica.com: https://www.britannica.com