English Language - Introduction to Language (Edexcel)

What 3 aspects of speech can reflect a person’s identity?

accent,dialect,slang

How can we define identity in sociolinguistics?

Based on multiple facets - isn’t fixed!

nationality,environment,profession,age

How can accent or dialect signal social group memberships

Reveals social class (less formal SE),ethnic background,region you’re from

Define code-switching

Changing the way you speak depending on the social context eg. You’ll speak to your friends in a different way to teachers/parents

Why might some people feel forced to switch codes?

-Desire to fit in

-Avoid discrimination/prejudice

How has language historically been used as a tool of control by dominant social groups?

Imposing language to marginalise indigenous/obscure languages

What is the link between language and gender?

Reflects social expectations and stereotypical gender roles (Politeness theory,vocal pitch)

What are David Crystal’s(Linguistic theorist) 8 key factors to language?

1. Communicate facts and opinions

2. express emotions

3. support social interaction

4. enjoyment of making a sound

5. record and create permanence

6. give life a sense of shape,order and reality (e.g calling the first day of the week monday)

7. instrument of thought (lang enables complex reasoning,problem-solving etc)

8. create and express our identity

why do we speak + the function of lang

-Create faith/religion

-Advance as a society through a common cause

-Unite people

-Keep a record/legacy of something

/What factors dictate your identity?

-Region

-Age

-Race/ethnicity

-Social class

-Gender

-Family and heritage (Connections globally)

-Hobbies and interests

-Sense of self/personality

-Culture

Define sociolect

The social factors that influence your language (social class, social group)

Define idiolect

Your individual unique way of speaking

Main differences between speech and writing

Speech:Transient (Define aswell),spontaneous,includes paralinguistics,shared context

Writing: Permanent,Higher status-more thought out signals education, one way system,slow,can be misinterpreted,no shared context

What are the language frameworks?

Need them to analyse different aspects of language

Pragmatics: The underlying meaning and functions of language in context

Graphology: The visual aspects of language

Discourse: The structure and organisation of longer stretches of language like texts or conversations

Grammar and syntax: The structure and types of sentences and how these affect meaning and impact

Lexis and semantics:T he words used in language and how meaning is conveyed through word choice

Phonology: The sounds of language e.g. pronunciation,rhythm and intonation (means pitch)