Introduction to Sociolinguistics

A regional variety of a language, characterized by unique pronunciation, vocabulary, and grammar.

Expressions that have a figurative meaning and are not literally interpreted.

A variety of language associated with a specific social class or group.

A variety of language associated with a particular ethnic group.

Language variations between age groups, often characterized by slang and trendy expressions.

Specialized language used by a specific profession or group, often understood only by insiders.

The unique style of language an individual uses, shaped by their personal experiences and background.

A theory suggesting a strong connection between language and thought, arguing that language shapes our thinking and worldview.

The way in which language is used in a particular situation, taking into account factors like audience, setting, and purpose.

A collection of different language varieties (dialects, registers, styles) that a person can use, depending on the context.

A language used for communication between people who speak different native languages.

The process of selecting a specific language or dialect based on social, cultural, and contextual factors.

Language that aims to persuade the reader or listener by using emotional appeals and strong arguments.

Language that prioritizes clarity, precision, and objectivity, often used in scientific writing.

The overall impression of formality or informality conveyed by a piece of writing or speech.

The choice of words, phrases, and sentence structures used in a particular piece of writing or speech.

A group of people who share a common language or a particular way of speaking a language.

Learning a second language using your native tongue as the basis.

The ability of individuals or communities to use more than one language proficiently.

Variations in language use within a speech community, including dialects, accents, vocabulary choices, and speech patterns.

Accepted rules and conventions for language use within a speech community.

The ability of members of a speech community to understand and communicate with each other, even with slight variations in language use.

Language contributes to an individual's sense of belonging to a group.

Language is constantly changing, influenced by cultural shifts, technological advancements, and social changes.

Social media platforms promote quick and informal communication, leading to the use of slang, colloquial expressions, and relaxed grammar.

Social media empowers users to contribute to language creation, leading to a diverse linguistic landscape influenced by various identities and cultures.

Social media accelerates the pace at which language changes, with new terms gaining popularity rapidly due to viral trends.

Character limits and fast-paced online interactions encourage the use of abbreviations and acronyms on social media.

When someone abruptly ends communication with another person without explanation.

Social media platforms have a significant impact on how language evolves, influencing the way we communicate, create new words, and adopt slang.

The study of how language varies and changes in society.

A theory that suggests that women's language is less valuable and inferior to men's language.

A theory that explains differences in language use based on power dynamics in society. It suggests men's language is dominant because of their higher social status, which influences how both genders communicate.

A theory that explains gender differences in language as a result of distinct socialization experiences. It suggests these differences are learned behaviors influenced by cultural expectations of gender roles.

A theory that challenges binary ideas of gender and argues that social roles, not biological sex, influence linguistic behavior. It embraces diversity and how individuals express their identities through language.

A framework that sees gender as a socially constructed identity, not a fixed attribute. It emphasizes that individuals 'do gender' through their linguistic choices by reflecting societal norms and expectations around masculinity and femininity.

These highlight variations in language use when both genders communicate in similar contexts.

These refer to inherent linguistic features attributed to one gender.

These explain the observed differences in language use between genders.

The frequent and widespread use of a term causing it to lose its original meaning and impact.

Misunderstandings that arise when people use non-standard language, abbreviations, or slang that others may not understand.

Unequal access to social media platforms, potentially widening existing communication gaps between groups.

The dominance of specific platforms and languages leading to a reduction in linguistic diversity and suppression of less popular languages.

Words, phrases, or expressions that emerge and spread quickly within online communities.

Categorical labels used to organize online content, contributing to the spread of language trends and identifying groups focused on specific topics.

Visual symbols used to express emotions, enhancing text-based communication.

A form of online humor that often incorporates linguistic variations or inventive language spreading rapidly through social media.