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
men -
women -
• talk more than men • swear more
• talk too much • don't talk about emotions
• are more polite, are • talk about sport more
indecisive/hesitant • talk about women and
machines in the same way
• complain and nag
• insult each other frequently
• ask more questions • are competitive in
• support each other, are conversation
more co-operative • dominate conversation
• speak with more authority
• give more commands,
interrupt more.

Living Language (2000) by George Keith and John

Shuttleworth
Reality check
QUESTIONS?