Language variation

Dialect

form of language specific to a region or social group

Idiolect

speech habits specific to a particular person

Jargon

subject-specific lexis which anyone outside a particular field won’t understand eg blind baking, knead

Subject-specific lexis

words which are linked to a specific subject eg puck in ice hockey

Sociolect

dialect of a particular social class

Situation of use

specific place, time or context in which communication takes place

Frozen

language that never changes eg wedding vows

Formal

standard english eg speeches

Professional/consultative

less formal than standard English eg employee to employer

Casual/informal/conversational

language between friends eg vernacular speech

Intimate/personal

language between lovers of close family and friends eg pet names, inside jokes

Vulgar slang

informal language that may cause offence

Academic

language which is more academic/semi-formal eg school lessons

Informative

converting meanings eg brochures

Transactional

one person provides a service or good eg buying/selling

Expletive

swear word

Taboo

restricted by social custom eg sex = taboo topic

Slang

informal words/phrases

Colloquialism

words/phrases that’s aren’t formal and are used in familiar conversation

Contraction

combines two words usually with an apostrophe