English Language theorists/studies

Joanna Thornborrow theory

One of the most fundamental ways we have of establishing our identity is through our use of language

Social Identity Theory (Tajfel and Turner)

When an in group identity is made, people wish to emphaise these characteristics by using sociolect.

In/Out Groups (Giles and Coupland)

In groups are social categories with which individuals identify strongly. Out groups are social categories not identified with, marked by lack of sociolectal familiarity.

Social Network Theory (Milroy)

Networks are either closed, (everyone knows each other) or open, (people are less famimiliar with each other)

Overt Prestige (Labov)

Prestige associated with abiding by social norms, using RP accent

Covert Prestige (Labov)

Prestige gained by flouting social norms and values, yet is advantageous in certain groups

Accomodation theory (Giles)

Speakers adjust speech to suit other participants in conversation

Upwards convergance

Speaker of low status makes language more formal to greet someone og high status

Downwards convergence

Speaker speaks more colloquial and informal to decrease status for other speaker

Mutual convergence

Both speakers converge linguistically to ‘meet in the middle’

Divergence

Speakers style of speech move further apart, increasing social distance

Restricted code, Bernstein

Informal simplified language used when audience share similar interests, experiences etc.

Elaborated code, Bernstein

Extensive more complex language used when people are less familiar

Anti-language, Halliday

Extreme versions of sociology used when people are in a marginalized community that places them outside the law.

Teenage talk, Stenstrom

Language of teens, like irregular turn taking, indistinct articulation, word shortening, verbal duelling

Language and teen peer groups, Eckert

Teenagers mark use of linguistics features such as ‘like’ and ‘okay’, rising intonation etc.

Labov's Martha's Vineyard

Study on an island in US, found people changed their diphthong /ai/ and /au/ to differentiate themselves from mainlanderd and tourists.