Sociolinguistics

These flashcards cover key terminology, branches, and theories of sociolinguistics, including regional and social variation, historical studies, and network models.

Geographic Sociolinguistics

Also called dialectology, it is the oldest branch of sociolinguistics that studies regional varieties (dialects).

Sociological Sociolinguistics

Also called variationist sociolinguistics, it studies structured variation in language that includes social factors (class, age, gender, group affiliation) and regional variation.

Anthropological Sociolinguistics

A branch of sociolinguistics that studies the connection between language, thought, and culture.

Variety

The most neutral term used to refer to any form of a language or linguistic system.

Standard

A non-regional prestige variety of a language.

Register

A functional variety of language used in specific situations.

Sociolect

An abstract term used to refer to social varieties of a language.

Accent

The pronunciation aspects of a given variety, which can be regional or social in nature.

Mutual Intelligibility

The common assumption that if two speakers can understand one another, they are speaking dialects of the same language.

Isogloss

A line on a map marking the boundary between two regions which differ with respect to a particular linguistic feature.

Inner Circle

In Kachru's model, the circle where English is a native language ($320-380$ million speakers), such as in the USA and UK.

Outer Circle

In Kachru's model, the circle where English is used for official purposes ($150-300$ million speakers), such as in India and Singapore.

Expanding Circle

In Kachru's model, the circle where English is used as a foreign language ($100-1000$ million speakers), such as in China and Russia.

N.O.R.M.S.

An acronym for "non-mobile, older, rural male speakers," who were the primary focus of traditional dialectology.

Linguistic Variable

A set of alternative ways of saying the same thing, interacting with extralinguistic independent variables.

Variants

The alternative realizations within a linguistic variable that carry social significance.

Independent Variables

Non-linguistic factors such as region, socio-economic class, ethnicity, gender, age, and style that influence linguistic realization.

Dependent Variables

Linguistic units realized by more than one norm, such as the pronunciation of post-vocalic /r/.

Change from above

Language change introduced by a dominant social group with full public awareness, often involving borrowings with higher prestige.

Change from below

Language change appearing first in the vernacular below the level of social awareness, eventually spreading to most social groups.

Overt Prestige

Prestige associated with the standard variety, which is generally socially acknowledged as "correct" and highly valued.

Covert Prestige

Prestige ascribed to non-standard varieties by a specific group of speakers, often without their awareness, signaling group solidarity.

Sociolinguistic Stigma

The devalorization of linguistic features or varieties, often linked to stereotypes and social inequality.

First Wave (Variationist Sociolinguistics)

A study phase focused primarily on the correlation between dependent linguistic variables and independent macro-categories like class and gender.

Second Wave (Variationist Sociolinguistics)

A study phase that incorporates ethnographic information and participant observation to understand how the local speech community affects language use.

Third Wave (Variationist Sociolinguistics)

A study phase shifting from macro-categories to how language is used to construct social identities and speech styles.

Rhoticity

A linguistic variable concerning whether the post-vocalic /r/ is pronounced, as in the words "farm" or "car."

High-density Network

A social network where every member of the network knows all the other members.

Multiplex Network

A social network where members are linked through several co-existing types of ties, such as family, friendship, and workplace relations.

Community of Practice

An aggregate of people who come together around mutual engagement in an endeavor, defining themselves through shared practices and linguistic repertoires.