TOPIC: LANGUAGE CHANGE
GROUP: 2
Presenters:
226032: Nadeem Hassan
226029: Bushra Parveen
226013: Sana Iqbal
226033: Muqaddas Sarfraz
226001: Ansa
Outline:
Language variation
Linguistic variation
social variation
Regional Variation
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Language Change and Language Variation, Study notes of Linguistics
Language variation refers to the differences in language use among speakers or within a single speaker at different times. These variations can occur due to various factors, including geographical location, social class, age, gender, ethnicity, and context. Understanding language variation is crucial in the fields of sociolinguistics and dialectology as it provides insights into how language evolves and functions in society.
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2023/2024
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TOPIC: LANGUAGE CHANGE
GROUP: 2
Presenters:
226032: Nadeem Hassan 226029: Bushra Parveen 226013: Sana Iqbal 226033: Muqaddas Sarfraz 226001: Ansa
Outline:
Language variation Linguistic variation social variation Regional Variation
1: Language Variation Language variation refers to the differences in language use among speakers or within a single speaker at different times. These variations can occur due to various factors, including geographical location, social class, age, gender, ethnicity, and context. Understanding language variation is crucial in the fields of sociolinguistics and dialectology as it provides insights into how language evolves and functions in society. Types of Language Variation
- Geographical Variation (Dialectal Variation)
- Definition : Variations in language use based on geographical areas.
- Example : In the United States, there are distinct regional dialects. For instance, the Southern accent in states like Georgia and Alabama contrasts with the Boston accent in Massachusetts.
- Phonological Variation : Different pronunciations, such as the dropping of the "r" sound in Boston (e.g., "car" pronounced as "cah").
- Lexical Variation : Different words for the same concept, such as "soda" (Northeast), "pop" (Midwest), and "coke" (South) for carbonated beverages.
- Social Variation (Sociolectal Variation)
- Definition : Differences in language use associated with social class, occupation, education level, or social group.
- Example : The use of Received Pronunciation (RP) in the UK, often associated with the educated and upper class, versus regional accents more common among the working class.
- Lexical Variation : Use of specialized jargon or slang within different social groups. For example, legal jargon used by lawyers or teenage slang.
- Stylistic Variation (Register)
- Definition : Changes in language use depending on the context or situation, ranging from formal to informal.
- Example : The difference in language used in a job interview versus a casual conversation with friends.
- Formal Register : Complete sentences, avoidance of slang, and more complex vocabulary (e.g., "We regret to inform you that your application was not successful").
- Informal Register : Use of contractions, colloquialisms, and simpler vocabulary (e.g., "Sorry, you didn't get the job").
Examples:
- British English vs. American English :
- Words: "lift" (British) vs. "elevator" (American)
- Pronunciation: The word "schedule" is pronounced "shed-yool" in British English and "sked-jool" in American English.
- Grammar: British English often uses "have got" while American English uses "have" (e.g., "I have got a car" vs. "I have a car"). 2. Sociolects Sociolects are variations of a language used by specific social classes or groups. Examples:
- Working-Class vs. Upper-Class English in the UK :
- Working-Class: "I ain't got no money."
- Upper-Class: "I haven't any money." 3. Registers Registers are variations in language based on the context or situation, such as formal vs. informal language. Examples:
- Formal vs. Informal Register :
- Formal: "We regret to inform you that your application has been unsuccessful."
- Informal: "Sorry, you didn't get the job."
- Medical Register :
- Formal: "The patient presents with symptoms of acute myocardial infarction."
- Informal: "The patient is having a heart attack." 4. Jargon Jargon is the specialized language used by particular professions or groups. Examples:
- Computer Jargon :
- "Booting" (starting up a computer).
- "Byte" (a unit of digital information). 5. Code-switching Code-switching is the practice of switching between two or more languages or dialects within a conversation. Examples:
- Urdu-English Code-switching :
- "Mujhe coffee chahiye, but make it strong."
- Mixing Urdu "Mujhe coffee chahiye" (I want coffee) with English "but make it strong." Importance of Studying Language Variation
- Cultural Identity : Language variation reflects cultural identity and heritage, preserving unique linguistic traits within communities.
- Communication : Understanding language variation improves communication across different groups, enhancing mutual understanding and reducing misunderstandings.
- Linguistic Evolution : Studying variation helps linguists understand how languages change and evolve over time.
- Social Insight : Language variation provides insights into social structures and dynamics, such as class stratification and social mobility. Language variation is an important and interesting aspect of language study. It shows how language can change depending on where we are, who we are with, and what we are talking about. By understanding different types of language variation, we can better appreciate the social and cultural richness of language.
- Regional Variation:
- British English vs. American English:
- British: "biscuit" | American: "cookie
- Dialectal Variation:
- Southern American English vs. General American English:
- Southern: "y'all" | General American: "you all"
- Southern: "buggy" (for shopping cart) | General American: "shopping cart"
- Social Variation:
- Teen Slang vs. Adult Speech:
- Teen: "lit" (exciting or excellent) | Adult: "great"
- Pragmatic Variation :
- Differences in language use depending on social context and cultural norms. This includes variations in politeness strategies, forms of address, and discourse markers.
- Forms of Address:
- Formal Context: In a formal business meeting, you might address someone as "Mr. Smith" or "Ms. Johnson."
- Informal Context: Among friends, you might simply use first names, like "John" or "Jane."
- Politeness Strategies:
- Requesting:
- Direct: "Give me the salt."
- Indirect: "Could you please pass the salt?"
- Very Polite: "I wonder if you might be able to pass the salt, if it's not too much trouble?
- Apologies:
- Formal: "I sincerely apologize for the inconvenience."
- Informal: "Sorry about that!"
- Very Informa l: "My bad!"
- Register Variation :
- Variation in language use depending on the formality of the context. For instance, the language used in a formal academic paper is different from that used in casual conversation with friends.
- Expressing Gratitude:
- Formal Register: "Thank you very much for your assistance. It is greatly appreciated."
- Neutral Register: "Thank you for your help. I really appreciate it."
- Informal Register: "Thanks for your help. I appreciate it."
- Very Informal Register: "Thanks a lot! You’re a lifesaver."
- Social and Ethnic Variation :
- Differences in language use across social and ethnic groups. This includes variations in dialects or sociolects associated with particular social classes or ethnic communities
- Pronunciation :
- Social Variation :
- Upper-class speakers might pronounce "bath" with a longer vowel sound, like "bahth," while working-class speakers might say it with a shorter vowel sound, like "bath."
- Ethnic Variation :
- African American Vernacular English (AAVE) speakers might pronounce "ask" as "aks," which is a feature of their phonological system.
- Vocabulary :
- Social Variation :
- Upper-class speakers might use more formal vocabulary in their speech, such as "reside" instead of "live," or "automobile" instead of "car."
- Ethnic Variation :
- Different ethnic communities might have unique vocabulary specific to their cultural practices. For example, speakers from South Asian communities might use words like "chai" (tea) or "samosa" in their everyday speech.
- Gender Variation :
- Differences in language use associated with the speaker's gender. Studies have shown that men and women might use language differently in terms of intonation, word choice, and conversational styles.
- Integral Units of Larger Structures:
- These language differences are part of bigger patterns in how we speak. They fit into the way words are pronounced, put together into sentences, or used in conversations.
- Example: The pronunciation of the "r" sound in words like "car" or "park" varies in some English dialects, but it's part of a larger pattern of pronunciation differences.
- Quantifiable on a Linear Scale:
- We can measure and count these language differences. This helps researchers understand how often they occur and compare them across different groups of people.
- Example: Researchers can count how often people use the pronunciation "th" for the "th" sound in words like "think" or "this" versus using "d" or "t" instead (e.g., "tink" or "dis").
- Highly Stratified:
- These language differences aren't the same for everyone. They can change depending on things like age, where someone grew up, or their social status. Different groups of people might use language in slightly different ways.
- Example: The use of certain slang terms or expressions may vary depending on factors like age, social class, or ethnicity.
3 : linguistic and social variation Social variation: Education and occupation: Labov model: Social variation refers to variation in language spoken by a particular social group or class distinct by vocabulary, grammar and pronunciation. It reflect social, cultural and historical background of it’s speaker. Example: The word( home )is prounced as heim like feim lower working class and by middle class as home as fome Education and occupation Education and occupation: play a role in your language even in individual ideolect. Labov model: he refers that the word (r) sounds is pronounced frequently then workings class Linguistics and casts connection.. In Hindu society, people are divided into different groups called castes. The highest caste is Brahmins, followed by Rajputs, Vaishyas, artisans, laborers, and at the bottom are untouchable castes like Chamars, Jatia Chamars, and Bhangis.Untouchables face discrimination and are restricted in where they can live and move within the village.About 10% of the population in this village are Muslims, who are not part of the caste system.The way people speak in the village shows their social group. For example, certain speech patterns distinguish different castes. Untouchables have unique speech characteristics. An interesting point is that the speech of the lowest caste, Bhangis, is similar to the regional dialect. This forces upper castes to change how they speak to avoid sounding like untouchables. People adjust their speech to distinguish themselves from other groups. Touchables want to sound different from untouchables, while untouchables try to sound more like touchables.This study shows a clear link between how people speak and their caste. Knowing about one helps predict the other.However, using caste as a measure of social variation doesn't work outside certain societies. Sociolinguists study how language varies based on social factors like class, gender, age, and ethnicity. They collect data to understand how different groups use language, which helps draw conclusions about society. Social class factor: social class is about things like what job you have, how much education you've completed, how much money you make, where you live, and other aspects of your lifestyle and background. Researchers use different methods to decide which social class someone belongs to, and they often look at a mix of factors to make that decision. Trudgill's Study in Norwich, England: Trudgill identified 5 social classes based on factors like occupation, education, and income. He used linguistic features like speech patterns to
4: REGIONAL VARIATION "Regional variation" refers to differences in language, culture, practices, or phenomena that occur in different geographic areas. These variations can manifest in numerous ways, including dialects, customs, cuisine, climate, economic practices, and more. Here are some key aspects of regional variation:
1. Linguistic Variation: Different regions often have distinct dialects or languages. For example, American English differs from British English in vocabulary, pronunciation, and spelling. Within countries, regional dialects can also vary significantly, such as the differences between the Southern and Northeastern accents in the United States. 2. Cultural Practices: Traditions and customs can vary widely by region. This can include variations in festivals, holidays, traditional clothing, and social norms. For instance, the celebration of Christmas in Mexico involves unique traditions like Las Posadas, which are not commonly practiced in other countries. 3. Cuisine: Food is a major area where regional variation is evident. Different regions develop their own unique dishes and cooking styles based on local ingredients and cultural influences. For example, Italian cuisine varies significantly from region to region, with distinct differences between Northern and Southern Italian dishes. 4. Climate and Geography: The physical environment of a region greatly influences its climate, flora, fauna, and agricultural practices. For example, the Mediterranean climate in Southern Europe supports different crops and lifestyle practices than the temperate climate of Northern Europe. 5. Economic Practices: Economic activities often vary by region due to differences in resources, industrial development, and historical factors. For instance, the economy of the Silicon Valley region in California is heavily based on technology and innovation, while the Midwest of the United States is traditionally known for its agriculture and manufacturing industries. 6. Housing and Architecture: Building styles and housing structures can vary significantly based on regional climate, available materials, and cultural influences. For example, traditional Japanese houses with tatami mats and sliding doors are quite different from European stone cottages. Understanding regional variation is crucial for fields like anthropology, sociology, linguistics, marketing, and even politics, as it helps to comprehend and respect the diversity and unique characteristics of different areas.