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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.
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Language variation Introduction to Linguistics
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
Social classes • Class divisions are (mainly) based on • Wealth • Education • Social status
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.
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.
Reality check women - 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. • 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 Living Language (2000) by George Keith and John Shuttleworth