LING102: variation, accent, dialect

Variety (linguistic)

A cluster of language features that combine to form a distinct way of speaking; a broad term encompassing 'accent' and 'dialect'.

Langue

The abstract formal system of language that exists in the mind of every speaker; shared identically and homogeneously within a community.

Parole

The realization of speech; the 'execution of langue'.

Competence (Chomsky)

The speaker-hearer's knowledge of their language.

Performance (Chomsky)

The actual use of language in concrete situations.

Orderly Heterogeneity

The idea that linguistic variation is rarely free and often patterned or structured.

Variable (linguistics)

An aspect of language that can vary; a linguistic form with more than one possible realization.

Variant (linguistics)

Different realizations of a variable (e.g., [θ] and [f] as variants of ).

Dialect Isogloss

A boundary line that divides geographical regions based on where different variants of a single variable are used.

Dialect Survey

Research method used to track lexical, pronunciation, and grammar differences across regions.

Survey of English Dialects (SED)

Research project conducted from 1950–1961 to document English dialects across four regions using questionnaires.

NORMs

Non-mobile, Older, Rural, Male informants; traditionally preferred for dialect surveys to ensure speech characteristics of a region.

Direct Questioning (dialect survey)

Explicitly asking speakers about language use (e.g., 'What do you call a cup?')

Indirect Questioning (dialect survey)

Eliciting language data through naming, talking, reverse, completing, or converting tasks.

Survey of Regional English (SuRE)

Methodology developed by the Universities of Leeds and Sheffield used to measure UK language use and create 'Word Maps'.

Sense Relation Network sheet (SRN)

Used in SuRE methodology to define, delimit, and store linguistic expressions in the mind, allowing for more spontaneity.

Perceptual Dialectology

Study of non-linguists' views and beliefs about language.

Rating Scales (perceptual dialectology)

Method used in perceptual dialectology to assess attitudes toward different dialects based on correctness, pleasantness, etc.

Voice Placement

Method in perceptual dialectology where participants place dialects on a map

Draw a Map Task

Method in perceptual dialectology where participants draw dialect boundaries on a map