Midterm-CHAPTER-1

Introduction

• Overview of language varieties in spoken and written forms.

1. Varieties and Registers of Language

• Definition of Varieties

  • Specific sets of linguistic items or speech patterns (Wardhaugh, 1986).

  • Associated with external factors such as geography, social background, gender, and age.

• Registers

  • Context-specific varieties designed according to social situations (David Crystal).

  • Distinguished from dialects by their functional use in specific settings (e.g., scientific, legal).

2. Types of Language

2.1 Spoken Language

• Articulation of sounds; often spontaneous and maintained through dialogue.

2.2 Written Language

• More organized and explanatory; deliberate word choice.

3. Language Varieties

3.1 Pidgin

• Emerges in situations where speakers of different languages need to communicate without a common language.

• Learned as a second language (e.g., a mixture of terms from various languages).

3.2 Creole

• A stable natural language that develops from a pidgin; often becomes a first language for children.

3.3 Regional Dialect

• A variety of language associated with specific geographical regions.

3.4 Minority Dialect

• Used by specific ethnic minority groups, serves as a marker of cultural identity.

3.5 Indigenized Varieties

• Local adaptations of a language reflecting the influence of indigenous languages.

4. Varieties of English

4.1 American English (AmE)

• Introduced by British settlers in the 17th century; distinct features from British English.

4.2 Australian English (AuE)

• Diverged from British English in the late 18th century; influenced by local dialects.

4.3 Black English

• Spoken by black communities in the US and UK; varies widely in the Caribbean and Africa.

4.4 British English (BrE)

• Recognized variety taught in ESL and EFL programs.

4.5 Philippine English

• Developed from American English influence post-1898, unique features in various domains of use.

5. Linguistic Features

5.1 Phonological Features

• Includes devoicing of certain sounds and loss of distinction between some vowel sounds.

5.2 Lexical Features

• Heavy borrowing from Spanish and Tagalog, with unique local terms and idioms.

6. Kachru's Concentric Circles of English

• Inner Circle: Countries where English is a native language (e.g., USA, UK).

• Outer Circle: Countries where English is a second language (e.g., India, Philippines).

• Expanding Circle: Countries where English is a foreign language (e.g., China, Japan).

7. Variations in English Structure

7.1 Stress and Rhythm

• Outer and Expanding Circle varieties often exhibit syllable-timing instead of stress-timing.

7.2 Sounds

• Common differences in pronunciation, e.g., aspiration of voiceless plosives.

7.3 Vocabulary

• Unique words from various English varieties, such as 'actsy' in Singapore English and 'high blood' in Philippine English.

8. Language Registers

8.1 Formal vs. Informal Registers

• Legal language characterized by complexity vs. textese language marked by simplicity and brevity.

8.2 Examples of Language in Context

• Recipes as a genre illustrate how field, tenor, and mode influence the register.

9. Conclusion

• Understanding the diverse varieties of language, especially in English, enhances comprehension of social and cultural dynamics.