English Language U4AOS1 - Language Variation & Identity

Linguistic Prestige

The degree of esteem and social value attached to certain language varieties by members of a speech community. It is associated with power; the language variety with the most prestige will be the one spoken with the most power.

Overt prestige/ Over norms

A variety that is widely agreed to be the most prestigious or ‘correct’ form is said to have over prestige/overt norms, Usually the standard form of the language.

Covert prestige/ Covert norms

Non-standard varieties that may be preferred in some contexts have covert prestige/covert norms.

Migrant ethnolect

Australian accents: Broad variation

The sterotypical rural or ‘bogan’ accent. historically seen as lower class.

Australian accents: Cultivated variation

The ‘posh’ accent, akin to British Received Pronunciation. Historically developed by those in power.

Australian accents: General variation

The middle ground. Used by the vas majority of Australians now