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Variation-and-Language

The document discusses sociolinguistics, focusing on how language varies and changes in social contexts. It highlights key concepts such as variables and variants, types of variation, and the importance of studying language variation in relation to identity and social structures. The document also emphasizes the systematic nature of variation and the influence of social and geographical factors on linguistic patterns.

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11 views

Variation-and-Language

The document discusses sociolinguistics, focusing on how language varies and changes in social contexts. It highlights key concepts such as variables and variants, types of variation, and the importance of studying language variation in relation to identity and social structures. The document also emphasizes the systematic nature of variation and the influence of social and geographical factors on linguistic patterns.

Uploaded by

softmous
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
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Variation and Language

Sociolinguistic Perspectives on Variables and Variants

[Faisal Alzahrani, LANE 626, 27 Jan 2025]

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Introduction
Sociolinguistics Focus

The study of how language varies and changes in social Understanding language variation at regional and social
contexts. levels.

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Key Concepts
Variable Variants Examples
An abstract feature of language Realizations of a variable (e.g., Regional pronunciations of words
(e.g., the vowel in ‘cheers'). /tʃɪəz/ vs. /tʃɪrz/ like 'cheers' vs. 'chairs'.

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Importance of Studying Variation
Identity Context Links
Regional, social, or personal. Who we talk to and where. Linguistic features to social
structures.

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Types of Variation
Interspeaker Variation Intraspeaker Variation

Differences between speakers. Differences within a single speaker's speech.

Example: Dialects across different regions. Example: Style-shifting based on formality.

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Free vs. Constrained Variation
Free Variation Constrained Variation

No apparent pattern (rare in sociolinguistics). Patterns influenced by:

Linguistic factors (e.g., sound environments).

Social factors (e.g., class, age, or gender).

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Regional Dialectology

Focus
1 Mapping regional linguistic differences.

Example
2
Atlas Linguistique de la France by Gilliéron and Edmont.

Result
3 Maps showed changes in pronunciation or word usage
geographically.

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Sociolinguistic Innovations

Transition Example Studies


From regional dialectology to The Fens in England: Effects of
social dialectology. geography and social factors on
vowels.

Martha's Vineyard: Social identity


shaping vowel centralization.

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Practical Implications

1 Understanding Language norms:

• - Helps
Preserve endangered dialects.

• - Informs
Language policy and education.

2 Highlights
Linguistic diversity and its connection to social identity.

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Key Takeaways
1 Variation 2 Social and geographical
factors
Is systematic, not random.
Heavily influence linguistic
patterns.

3 Sociolinguistics
Bridges the gap between linguistic theory and real-world usage.

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Questions & Discussion

• O p en the flo o r fo r q uestio ns.

• Reflect on variation in your own language use.

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