Language Variation: Regional & Social Varieties

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Questions and Answers

Why is it the students who, like linguistic anthropologists and sociologists, go out there in the various streets of Madrid, with mobile phones, cameras and fieldnote books, to observe, find LL data, and start analysing their sociolinguistic meanings?

Students are ideal for this as they are observant and can easily gather data in their daily lives.

What gets included as LL tokens?

Examples include graffiti.

The exhibit was divided into four research areas dealing with four different themes, presented as questions. What can you tell us about them? What were the findings?

The four areas were: What languages connect us? With whom? Do we 'grow/mature/get socialised' in languages? How are languages economically and symbolically valued? Can LLs tell stories of global revolutions? Can they point to multilingual futures of urban geographies?

Is Madrid a cosmopolitan city?

<p>The answer to this depends on your definition of cosmopolitan.</p> Signup and view all the answers

Did students find (language) ghettos in Madrid?

<p>The answer to this depends on your definition of language ghetto.</p> Signup and view all the answers

“We can't see LLs in isolation. We have to see them in relation to sociocultural aspects”. Do you agree with this statement? How do you interpret it?

<p>LLs must be viewed in their sociocultural contexts to fully understand their meaning and significance.</p> Signup and view all the answers

What do LLs speak of beyond informational indicators?

<p>Linguistic 'disorder' in global cities, Linguistic structuration/hierarchisation, Status (Power/imposition – solidarity/transgression), Identity &amp; stereotypes</p> Signup and view all the answers

Global cities can be seen as 'containers' of languages in contact.

<p>True (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What happens to some languages in global cities?

<p>Some languages are attributed power/imposition and high social values; and some are transgressive (silenced and dismissed).</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is linguistic structuration/hierarchisation?

<p>It refers to the organization of languages, with some being more dominant or important than others.</p> Signup and view all the answers

What are three main areas of variation in sociolinguistics?

<p>Time, place and social organisation</p> Signup and view all the answers

What are the three major ways that language varies?

<p>Language varies in three major ways which are interestingly interrelated -over time [synchronically and diachronically], in physical space, and socially.</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the focus on the analysis of language variation & change?

<p>The focus on the analysis of language variation &amp; change is on uses and on users: on (1) their social contacts, mobility; (2) on the contexts in which they interact; (3) on the repertoires, registers and styles that they command, and (4) on their linguistic ideologies and attitudes.</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the perspective of the use that speakers put in language, in their social lives?

<p>Language from the perspective of the use that speakers put in it, in their social lives (landscape creators)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What does the study of the Linguistic Landscape call into question?

<p>The study of the Linguistic Landscape can result as well in reflections on some of the core issues of sociolinguistics and applied linguistics. It can lead to calling into question the basic concept of language per se or ideas about bilingualism and multilingualism.</p> Signup and view all the answers

What are the topics discussed under 'Local and global Englishes: Prejudice and stereotypes'?

<p>Correctness (rightness/wrongness), Prescriptivism/Descriptivism, Standardness, Appropriacy/prestige, Slang/ broken English – Writtenness/Spokenness, ELF/World Englishes and Superdiversity (of Englishes)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What main ideas are discussed concerning correctness, rightness and wrongness?

<p>‘Native-speaker’ fallacy, self-discrimination, confusing rules from your mother tongue when learning new languages and wanting to improve pronunciation to be in touch with native speakers.</p> Signup and view all the answers

Identify the three Technical terms employed to describe 'slang?

<p>De-languaged, Language-less and Language have-nots.</p> Signup and view all the answers

Are the following utterances correct? Acceptable? Why? Why not? 1. It were a right good night, weren't it?

<p>This is a dialectal variation, particularly in Northern England. It may not be considered correct in standard English but is acceptable in its regional context.</p> Signup and view all the answers

Are the following utterances correct? Acceptable? Why? Why not? 2. She is a woman fair-haired with features attractive.

<p>This utterance is grammatically incorrect but can be acceptable in certain genres of poetry. It uses adjective post noun with Swahili or French influence.</p> Signup and view all the answers

Are the following utterances correct? Acceptable? Why? Why not? 3. You know hot it go. Muthafucka gots ta have all the finest things in life.

<p>This utterance is from African American US slang and is acceptable within African American communities. Because it is slang it may not be considered correct in standard English.</p> Signup and view all the answers

Are the following utterances correct? Acceptable? Why? Why not? 4. Leaves, like the things of man, you/With your fresh thoughts care for, can you?

<p>This utterance is an example of poetic style; Gerard Manley's poetry. Therefore it is acceptable.</p> Signup and view all the answers

Are the following utterances correct? Acceptable? Why? Why not? 5. Arrested their in needs it which code fill bad better of.

<p>This utterance is non-intelligible and therefore not acceptable.</p> Signup and view all the answers

Are the following utterances correct? Acceptable? Why? Why not? 6. If you'd told me about this earlier, I might have been able to do something.

<p>This utterance is considered correct and acceptable in RP / GA / standard English.</p> Signup and view all the answers

Are the following utterances correct? Acceptable? Why? Why not? 7. Happy birthday, innit.

<p>This utterance acceptable in Youth East London.</p> Signup and view all the answers

Are the following utterances correct? Acceptable? Why? Why not? 8. Was you on deck at the time the colours were struck?

<p>This utterance is acceptable but it is an antiquated expression from a judge in court 1801.</p> Signup and view all the answers

Are the following utterances correct? Acceptable? Why? Why not? 9. Get out of here, you stupid bastard!

<p>This utterance is standard, low forms, offensive language, and therefore not acceptable in many contexts like professional environments.</p> Signup and view all the answers

Flashcards

Variation and Change

The study of language in its social and regional context, focusing on how language varies based on identity, community, and stereotypes.

Linguistic Landscape (LL) Project

A research method where students analyze languages in public spaces to understand sociolinguistic meanings.

Multilingual Urban Landscape

The variety and mixture of languages seen in urban settings, reflecting the city's cultural diversity.

Global Cities as 'Containers' of Languages

The idea that cities act as containers where languages mix and interact, sometimes in organized ways.

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Beyond Informational Indicators

Indicators that provide information but also reflect linguistic disorder, power dynamics, and identity.

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Transgressive Language

Linguistic elements intended to disrupt norms or challenge established power structures.

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Linguistic Structuration/Hierarchisation

The arrangement of languages in a hierarchy, where some languages are seen as more valuable or important than others.

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Status Through Language

The way languages are used to signal status and can become iconic for commercial appeal or competition.

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Solidarity and Identity Through Language

The use of language to show unity, ethnic pride, or to resist imposed language rules.

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LLs as Scenes of Confrontation

Places where different codes of meaning collide, leading to linguistic and cultural debates.

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Positive Language Stereotypes

Assigning positive traits to a language that leads to assumptions about leadership, innovation, and cosmopolitanism.

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Catalan Incorporating English

The continuous incorporation of English words into Catalan language in both public and private settings.

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ELF Accommodating Local Norms

English as a Lingua Franca adapting to local Catalan norms and practices.

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Questioning Language Concepts

The idea that studying language landscapes can challenge our basic understanding and assumptions about language.

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Correctness (Rightness/Wrongness)

Concerns judging a language as right or wrong

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Prescriptivism

The assessment of language uses or forms against preconceived and artificial correctness norms.

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Descriptivism

The study of language as it's spoken naturally, without judgement.

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Standardness

Adherence to an accepted norm of language usage.

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Appropiacy/Prestige

The perception that a specific language feature carries or grants status.

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Slang

Informal language not typically written.

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Broken English

The language used in informal use not adhering to language rules.

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Writtenness/Spokenness

The distinction that spoken and written language have different structural rules.

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ELF

English as a Lingua Franca (ELF) refers to English when it is used as a global language and not restricted by formal spoken conventions

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Superdiversity (of Englishes)

The high level of diversity found among various English types and forms.

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Native Speaker Fallacy

Belief that Native English Speakers are the only providers of true English learning.

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De-languaged

To be disassociated from language.

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De-Skilled

To lack skills in a language.

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Study Notes

  • Unit 3 focuses on Variation and Change in language.
  • Section 3.1 discusses Regional and social varieties, with a focus on identity and community matters.
  • Section 3.2 explores Local and global Englishes, focusing on prejudice and stereotypes.

Unit 3.1 Regional and social varieties

  • Compulsory video activity in the style of a Linguistic Landscape project.
  • This project can be inspired by a Sakai activity with class participation.
  • Photo exhibition “Lenguas pa la citi” had 600 LL tokens.
  • Students of Modern Languages, UAM, created the exhibition with Luisa Martín-Rojo in 2012.
  • The exhibition asked why students observe and analyze sociolinguistic meanings in Madrid's streets.
  • The exhibition asked what gets included as LL tokens, such as graffiti, etc.
  • The exhibit was split into four research areas/themes:
  • What languages connect people & with whom?
  • How do we 'grow/mature/get socialised' in languages?
  • How are languages economically & symbolically valued?
  • Can LLs tell stories of global revolutions & point to multilingual futures of urban geographies?
  • Considering whether Madrid is a cosmopolitan city.
  • Whether 'language ghettos' were present in Madrid?
  • LLs should be observed in relation to socio-cultural aspects.
  • LLs speak of linguistic 'disorder' in global cities.
  • LLs speak of linguistic structuration/hierarchisation.
  • Status (Power/imposition – solidarity/transgression).
  • Identity & stereotypes.
  • Linguistic diversity appears as 'normality' to passersby.
  • Linguistic diversity has far-reaching pervasiveness.
  • Linguistic diversity is an 'ensemble' of languages in contact/contrast.
  • Linguistic diversity are "landmarks" of organization in society.
  • Global cities act as highly organized 'containers' of languages in contact.
  • Power/imposition is attributed to some languages with high social values.
  • Some languages are transgressive, silenced, and dismissed.
  • LLs speak of informational indicators.
  • Linguistic ‘disorder’ in global cities.
  • Linguistic structuration/hierarchisation is conveyed through Catalan.
  • Linguistic structuration/hierarchisation is conveyed through imposition of English only.
  • Linguistic structuration/hierarchisation is conveyed through imposition of Spanish only.
  • Linguistic structuration/hierarchisation is conveyed through use of English to call for a Catalan global (political) social cause.
  • Status, some, iconicised (commercial competition!).
  • Status refers to English use to sell Catalan wine.
  • Solidarity and Identity include nationality pride.
  • Solidarity and Identity include ethnic/gender allegiances.
  • Solidarity and Identity include resistance to power and to imposed language policies.
  • From taking a space to creating a place.
  • LLs as scenes of confrontation between different codes of meaning-construction.
  • Example: Use of English for a global feminist cause
  • Ideologies (positive stereotypes) in English indicate leadership, innovation, advancement, competitiveness, internationality, cosmopolitanism, modernity, open-mindedness for POWER+SOLIDARITY.
  • LLs are a great tool in understanding English.
  • Three main areas of variation:
  • How, when, where, with whom and why do language forms continuously vary/change?
  • How do variations/changes spread?
  • How do variations influence the social meanings of variation/change?
  • Language varies over time synchronization, over time diachronically, in physical space, and socially.
  • In linguistic analysis, the focus should be on users social contacts, contexts, registers, styles, ideologies and attitudes.
  • Language from the user's perspective in their social lives.

Unit 3.2 Local and global Englishes

  • This unit deals with prejudice and stereotypes
  • The activity is adapted from English, F. & Marr, T. (2015).
  • Main topics are:
  • Correctness (Rightness/Wrongness)
  • Prescriptivism/Descriptivism
  • Standardness
  • Appropriacy/Prestige
  • Slang/ Broken English – Writtenness/Spokenness
  • ELF/World Englishes
  • Superdiversity (of Englishes)
  • Activity ranking focuses on "rightness" or “acceptability” of language.
  • Considering Non-native speakers' self-discrimination.
  • “Somos conejitos de indias”.
  • “yo no corrijo coses gramaticales..yo no tengo conocimientos para saber cuando es ought to o should.. Esto os lo dejo a vosotros, los que soys profes de inglés.”
  • “i ens buscaven a nosaltres, els que som profes d'anglès…”
  • native-speaker English forms are appropriacy/correctness.
  • Technical terms might be employed to describe “slang”.
  • Examples: de-languaged, language-less, language have-nots.
  • There is complementary reading to learn more.

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