Key language terms 1

Vocabulary flashcards created from lecture notes covering key language and linguistic concepts.

Idiom

Phrases where words do not mean what they say (e.g., "raining cats and dogs"), where the literal meaning is not present or valid.

Collocates

Two words or phrases usually found together that have a specific meaning (e.g., "monkey business").

Fixed expression

A combination of words that are commonly used to express a specific idea, having more meaning than the original words (e.g., "once upon a time").

Semantic field

Group of words associated with a theme, topic, or concept (e.g., war, games, music)

Jargon

Certain language or lexicon set in a profession (e.g., pilots or musicians).

Euphemism

The softening of a word (e.g., "poo").

Orthophemism

A professional, unbiased version of a word (e.g., "excretion").

Dysphemism

A taboo, controversial, or crude version of a word (e.g., "shit").

Cacophenism

Like a dysphemism, but used intentionally instead of a softer word (e.g., "Hey Bitches").

Register

Variety of language associated with a particular situation (e.g., a teacher talking to a student is different to a friend talking to a friend)

Dialect

Regional variation on a language (e.g., north/south londonian)

Sociolect

Variation of a language within social groups, discourse communities or occupational groups

Occupational groups

Social groups formed due to an occupation (e.g. a workplace)

Discourse communities

A group of people that share common goals, values and/or interests that use a variety of a language to achieve their aims (e.g. having fun)