Sociolinguistics

These flashcards cover essential concepts in sociolinguistics, including definitions of language, dialects, and the evolution of language.

What is sociolinguistics?

Study of the relationship between language and society.

What is language?

Complete communication system with its own grammar, vocabulary, and pronunciation, reflecting identity, culture, power, and social relationships.

What is dialect?

Regional or social version of a language where speakers can still understand each other (British vs American)

What is Variety in language?

A style of language used depending on context or situation, such as academic or informal.Same language, different situation.

Difference between language,dialect and variety?

Language is a different communication system; dialect is a regional variation of the same language, variety refers to styles used in different contexts.

What are World Englishes?

Different varieties of English (grammar,pronunciation, vocabulary, due to colonization, migration, globalization, and international communication)

What are the stages of English Evolution?

Old English (Germanic tribes), Middle English (French rulers), and Modern English.

Types of language based on acquisition?

Native language/mother tongue (first language learned naturally)-First Language L1 (Earliest language acquired) - Second language L2 (learned after the first language

Types of language based on Political or Social status?

Official language (Language used by the government for: laws, administration, institutions)- National Language (Represents cultural identity of a nation.Not always official)- Minority Language (Language spoken by smaller populations within a country: Indignenous)

Types of language based on communication function?

Lingua Franca (Language used for communication between speakers of different native languages- English)- Global Language (Language is worldwide, business, science, media)- Working Language (Language chosen for communication in an organization or institution)- Academic language (Formal language used in university, research, education)- Vernacular (Informal everyday language used in daily life)

Types of languages based on Identity and Family?

Heritage Language (Language connected to family ancestry but not dominant in daily life)

What is language policy?

Official decision about how languages are used in a country or institution they are not neutral.

Why do languages change?

Migration, contact with other languages, technology, culture, and social identity.

Why do languages change?

Due to migration, contact with other languages, technology, culture, and social identity.