Sociolinguistics session 3

LING1113

What are language attitudes?

Beliefs, feelings, and judgements people have about different languages, dialects, and language users

Why do language attitudes matter in sociolinguistics?

Because they influence language use, language change, identity construction, and educational or political decitions.

How can attitudes affect language change?

Positive or negative attitudes toward forms or dialects can speec up or slow down linguistic change.

What is linguistic relativism?

The idea that language influences the way we think and percieve the world

What is the Sapir-Whorf hypothesis?

A theory proposing that language shapes thought, especially in its strong form (linguistic determinism)

What is Linguistic determinism?

The (rejected) strong version of the Sapir-Whorf hypothesis claiming language completely determines thought.