Chapter 10
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Questions and Answers

Which example illustrates how the age of the addressee influences a speaker's style?

  • Using more complex vocabulary with children to improve their language skills
  • Using the same speech style regardless of the addressee's age
  • Speaking in a higher pitch and using 'baby-talk' when talking to infants (correct)
  • Speaking in a monotone voice to elderly people

    • What does 'audience design' signify in sociolinguistics?

  • The impact of the audience or addressee on a speaker's language choices (correct)
  • The physical arrangement of the audience in a room
  • The influence of the speaker's own background on their speech style
  • Creating speeches for large audiences

    • What typically motivates speech convergence in communication?

  • Desire to assert social dominance
  • Politeness and desire to please or put the listener at ease (correct)
  • Lack of attention to one's own speech
  • Intention to confuse the listener

    • Which of the following exemplifies upward convergence?

    <p>A salesperson using more formal language when speaking to a high-status client</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which term describes when a speaker modifies their speech style to distance themselves from the audience?

    <p>Speech divergence</p> Signup and view all the answers

    In which scenario would a speaker most likely experience speech convergence?

    <p>A doctor explaining medical terms to a patient</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What aspect of communication does 'audience design' primarily concern?

    <p>The adjustments made by speakers in response to their audience</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which situation best demonstrates downward convergence?

    <p>A manager adopting slang when talking to younger employees</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What does speech divergence signify in communication?

    <p>Deliberately choosing a different speech style or language from the addressee</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the primary characteristic of stylisation in speech?

    <p>Adopting an exaggerated speech style not typical of the speaker</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What does the observer's paradox entail?

    <p>The challenge of observing language naturally without interference</p> Signup and view all the answers

    How might a listener react to excessive convergence in speech according to accommodation theory?

    <p>Feeling patronized or sensing insincerity</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What does hypercorrection refer to in sociolinguistics?

    <p>Overgeneralizing language rules resulting in nonstandard usage</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What does the term 'register' signify in sociolinguistics?

    <p>Unique vocabulary linked to specific professions</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which sentence exemplifies syntactic reduction typically associated with sports announcer language?

    <p>It is a breaking ball outside</p> Signup and view all the answers

    How does the Japanese language express politeness?

    <p>Using specialized grammatical forms and honorifics</p> Signup and view all the answers

    In Javanese, what determines the appropriate speech level?

    <p>The relationship to the addressee, including factors like status</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is an example of speech convergence in multilingual situations?

    <p>A seller communicating in the buyer's language</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the vernacular style as defined by Labov?

    <p>A style reflecting local or community-specific language usage</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the vernacular style of speech characterized by?

    <p>The minimal attention given to speech production</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What does 'audience design' emphasize in sociolinguistics?

    <p>Adjusting language style based on audience characteristics</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is a key challenge when collecting authentic data in sociolinguistic research?

    <p>The presence of the observer alters natural speech</p> Signup and view all the answers

    In what context are speakers more likely to use standard speech forms?

    <p>In formal settings where they monitor their speech closely</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which of the following describes an example of speech divergence?

    <p>Adopting a native dialect around familiar peers</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which statement is false regarding the observer's influence on speech?

    <p>The observer's presence is neutral in affecting speech</p> Signup and view all the answers

    How is 'referee design' accurately defined?

    <p>Matching speech with a third party's style for effect</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Why is it difficult for researchers to gather authentic sociolinguistic data?

    <p>Participants usually alter their behavior due to the observer's presence</p> Signup and view all the answers

    In sociolinguistic terms, what does 'crossing' refer to?

    <p>Adopting another group's speech temporarily</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What linguistic phenomenon is reflected by gendered pronouns assigned to inanimate objects in Tasmanian narratives?

    <p>Cultural personification unique to Tanya</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What can lead a speaker to exhibit more standard language use?

    <p>The influence of social norms in formal settings</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is a significant influence on the development of specialized registers?

    <p>The need for precise communication among shared experiences</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What challenge does the observer's paradox present in sociolinguistic research?

    <p>The influence of an observer on natural speech</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Under what circumstance can over-convergence in speech be perceived negatively?

    <p>When the speaker mimics the listener insincerely</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which statement best defines 'hypercorrection' in speech?

    <p>Overapplying grammar rules leading to non-standard forms</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What strategy did Labov employ to encourage casual speech during interviews?

    <p>Implementing an informal conversational style</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which scenario best illustrates the use of formal titles versus personal relationships in language?

    <p>A judge and lawyer family members using formal titles in court</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What does code-switching primarily involve?

    <p>Switching to a different language or dialect known by the addressee</p> Signup and view all the answers

    How do stylisation and code-switching relate to social meaning?

    <p>Both can signal shifts in social meaning or identity</p> Signup and view all the answers

    In what way do social class and style interact in linguistic variation?

    <p>Linguistic features indicating social class often overlap with those indicating style</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What commonly leads to hypercorrection in speech?

    <p>Linguistic insecurity and overcompensation</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What strategy did Labov use to elicit more natural speech from participants?

    <p>Engaging in emotionally charged topics</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which social group exhibited hypercorrection in Labov's study regarding post-vocalic 'r'?

    <p>Lower middle class</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Why do languages like Javanese have multiple speech levels?

    <p>To reflect complex social hierarchies and express respect or formality</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is an example of 'downward convergence'?

    <p>An employee explaining a process simply to a client</p> Signup and view all the answers

    In the context of Japanese language, how can politeness be effectively signaled?

    <p>Using longer sentences, negative constructions, and polite verb forms</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Why might a person use divergent speech?

    <p>To assert individuality and establish distance</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is a defining feature of 'play-by-play' sports commentary language?

    <p>Employing telegraphic grammar with syntactic reduction</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What does 'referee design' refer to in accommodation theory?

    <p>Matching speech style to that of a third party</p> Signup and view all the answers

    How do speakers typically accommodate to the age of their listeners?

    <p>By modifying vocabulary and grammar complexity</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the purpose of syntactic inversion during sports commentary?

    <p>To foreground the action and provide time to identify subjects</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What does the term 'register' refer to in linguistics?

    <p>A speech variety used by a particular group or in a specific situation</p> Signup and view all the answers

    How might speakers adjust their language based on the social background of the addressee?

    <p>By matching their vocabulary and accent</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which of the following most accurately represents 'style shifting'?

    <p>Changing speech style depending on the audience or setting</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What negative perception can arise from over-convergence in speech?

    <p>It may come across as insincere or patronizing</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which speech style requires the least attention to speech monitoring according to Labov?

    <p>Vernacular speech</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is NOT a result of hypercorrection?

    <p>Adherence to local dialects in formal situations</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What method did Labov use to address the observer's paradox?

    <p>Using distractions with emotionally charged topics</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What does the linguistic process of accommodation demonstrate?

    <p>Adjustment of language use based on the conversational partner</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What key features are typical of 'baby-talk'?

    <p>Simplified language and exaggerated intonation</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What effect does formality of context have on language choices?

    <p>It can influence vocabulary, grammar, and politeness</p> Signup and view all the answers

    In language use, how can social roles impact communication among individuals?

    <p>They create a hierarchy that limits language exchange</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is an important effect of using simplified vocabulary and grammar with older listeners?

    <p>It can maintain respect and clarity</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is a typical outcome when speakers do not adjust their speech appropriately?

    <p>Potential for misunderstandings or conflict</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What does style shifting primarily involve?

    <p>Adjusting language use depending on the social context and audience</p> Signup and view all the answers

    How do minimal pairs contribute to sociolinguistic research?

    <p>They help identify pronunciation differences in specific phonological variables</p> Signup and view all the answers

    When is code-switching considered a stylistic choice?

    <p>When speakers switch languages for effect or to convey social meanings</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What social factors are significant in selecting the appropriate language level in Javanese?

    <p>Relative status, age, wealth, education, and degree of solidarity</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What characterizes situational code-switching?

    <p>Switching languages based on the situation or context</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which of the following is an example of colloquial style in English?

    <p>Saying 'I ain't got none' instead of 'I don't have any'</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Why are formulas and routines important in sports commentary?

    <p>They simplify the speaker's job and increase efficiency</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What exemplifies heavy noun modification in sports commentary?

    <p>'David Beckham, the legendary midfielder with an unparalleled free-kick ability, steps up.'</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the reason for recording groups of people rather than individuals in sociolinguistic studies?

    <p>Group dynamics encourage relaxed and natural speech</p> Signup and view all the answers

    How is referee design differentiated from accommodation in speech?

    <p>It centers on adopting a third party's speech style</p> Signup and view all the answers

    In which scenario would one likely encounter style shifting due to topic manipulation?

    <p>Switching to formal language when discussing serious matters</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What does heavy noun modification typically demonstrate in language use?

    <p>Rich detail and description of subjects</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which of the following best explains what situational code-switching adapts to?

    <p>The context and situation of the conversation</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What typically influences a person's choice to adopt speech patterns associated with their social groups?

    <p>Emphasis on social identity</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is a primary reason someone might change their speech style deliberately?

    <p>To humorously align with another group's identity</p> Signup and view all the answers

    How do 'style' and 'register' relate in linguistic terms?

    <p>Style varies with context, whereas register aligns with specific groups.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What impact does solidarity have on language use?

    <p>It encourages the use of familiar speech patterns to strengthen social bonds.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Why might reading style be different from conversational speech in some communities?

    <p>Reading aloud is less common, promoting careful speech.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What does 'converging downwards' signify in accommodation theory?

    <p>Adopting simpler speech patterns of someone with lesser status.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is a linguistic feature often associated with formal English speech?

    <p>Latinate vocabulary and complex structures</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which feature signals an informal English speech style?

    <p>Omitting auxiliary verbs</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is an effective way a speaker might accommodate non-native English speakers?

    <p>Speaking slowly and simplifying language</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What does the term 'hyperlectal' refer to?

    <p>An accent from a higher status group</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the value of vernacular style in linguistic studies?

    <p>It demonstrates how everyday speech varies and is rich in social meaning.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is emphasized as the most valuable aspect of vernacular speech in linguistic analysis?

    <p>It reflects the most systematic and natural speech patterns.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    How is the concept of register best defined?

    <p>The specialized language tied to particular professions or groups.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What relationship is observed between social class and style shifting?

    <p>Lower social classes may shift their speech more between different contexts.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What might influence someone to maintain their original speech style in a conversation?

    <p>Consistent interaction with their own social group.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What best describes 'foreigner talk' in sociolinguistics?

    <p>A simplified speech style used by native speakers when addressing foreigners.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    How is the overuse of politeness strategies typically perceived in cross-cultural communication?

    <p>As insincere or excessive.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    In contexts where speakers pay more attention to their speech, what typically happens to standard forms?

    <p>It increases.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which of the following factors does NOT typically influence social distance between speakers?

    <p>Personal hobbies.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is an example of register variation in language use?

    <p>A doctor using medical jargon with colleagues but simpler terms with patients.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What distinguishes Japanese language use in terms of politeness compared to English?

    <p>Japanese uses grammatical forms and verb endings to express politeness.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What do nicknames or diminutives in speech often signify?

    <p>They can indicate a close relationship or solidarity.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    How do sports announcers effectively maintain listener interest during live commentary?

    <p>By using intonation patterns, volume changes, and exciting language.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is a potential consequence of misusing levels of formality in languages like Javanese?

    <p>It can lead to insult or social embarrassment.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    The idea that speakers adapt their vocabulary and grammar when talking to foreigners or children illustrates which concept?

    <p>Accommodation.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What might be a misunderstanding when politeness strategies are overused?

    <p>They may create confusion about the speaker's intentions.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    In what situation is formal speech more likely to occur?

    <p>During a public speech or presentation.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What method did Labov use to encourage vernacular speech from participants?

    <p>Engaging participants in emotionally involving stories</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is a potential issue with viewing all speech style changes as a result of accommodation?

    <p>It ignores the impact of personal identity on language use</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which aspect makes specialized occupational registers difficult for outsiders to understand?

    <p>They frequently include complex technical terminology</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What could be a reason for a person in Montreal to choose English over French?

    <p>To provoke resentment among French speakers</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What does downward convergence involve in speech interactions?

    <p>Aligning speech with the addressee's perceived linguistic proficiency</p> Signup and view all the answers

    How is 'vernacular' best defined in linguistic terms?

    <p>A nonstandard dialect used in everyday communication</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Why is the vernacular style valued in social dialectology?

    <p>It captures the spoken language that is unmonitored and systematic.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What role does audience design play in news broadcasts?

    <p>It adjusts language to meet audience expectations</p> Signup and view all the answers

    How do unique characteristics of registers emerge?

    <p>Due to varying communication needs of groups</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What does the use of 'text-speak' when messaging friends illustrate?

    <p>Style shifting according to the context of communication</p> Signup and view all the answers

    In what way does setting influence language use?

    <p>It affects the language's vocabulary choice and formality.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Why might 'baby-talk' be considered inappropriate when addressing elderly individuals?

    <p>It may come across as disrespectful and patronizing</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the primary function of honorifics in Japanese?

    <p>To denote social relationships and express respect</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What exemplifies 'referee design' in speech?

    <p>Mimicking a celebrity's accent for amusement</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What purpose does syntactic inversion serve in sports commentary?

    <p>It helps emphasize key actions to build excitement</p> Signup and view all the answers

    In Labov's research, which linguistic feature indicated a speaker's social class in New York City?

    <p>The pronunciation of post-vocalic 'r'</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which language features a complex hierarchy in speech levels?

    <p>Javanese reflecting social interactions</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is a key function of language in relation to social identity?

    <p>To facilitate the portrayal of group membership</p> Signup and view all the answers

    In sociolinguistics, how is 'style' primarily defined?

    <p>As language variations linked to social context</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Why might speech divergence be considered a political statement?

    <p>It signifies independence from dominant language groups</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the implication of using a specialized register in communication?

    <p>It often complicates dialogue with unnecessary jargon</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What effect does audience design have in educational contexts?

    <p>It allows for adjustments based on students' prior knowledge</p> Signup and view all the answers

    How does a writer modify language based on the age of the reader?

    <p>By adjusting the vocabulary and sentence structure</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What characterizes the language used in formal situations compared to everyday vernacular?

    <p>It employs complex sentence structures and vocabulary</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What does style shifting reveal about speakers, according to Labov?

    <p>That speakers modify speech based on context and attention</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the implication of the 'observer's paradox' in sociolinguistic research?

    <p>It limits the types of data that can be collected</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Study Notes

    Age Influences Speech Style

    • People adjust their speech based on the age of the addressee.
    • Example: using higher pitch and 'baby-talk' when talking to infants.

    Audience Design

    • Refers to how speakers tailor their language based on the audience.

    Speech Accommodation

    • Speakers adjust their speech to converge or diverge from the addressee.
    • Convergence involves making speech more similar to the addressee, often for politeness or to establish rapport.
    • Divergence involves choosing a different speech style to signal distance or assert identity.

    Upward Convergence

    • A speaker adopts the style of someone with higher status.
    • Example: a salesperson using formal language with a high-status client.

    Speech Divergence

    • A speaker deliberately chooses a different speech style from the addressee.
    • Examples: switching to a native dialect in the presence of outsiders, or using technical jargon in a professional setting.

    Stylisation

    • Involves an exaggerated performance of a speech style not typical of the speaker.
    • Often done for entertainment or social commentary.

    Observer's Paradox

    • The challenge researchers face in observing natural speech without influencing it.
    • Observers can affect the naturalness of speech simply by being present.

    Overdone Convergence

    • Can be negatively perceived by listeners who may feel patronized, manipulated, or mocked.

    Hypercorrection

    • Occurs when speakers overgeneralize language rules.
    • Can lead to non-standard usage in an attempt to sound more correct.

    Register

    • The language used in specific social situations or occupations, marked by unique vocabulary and features.

    Syntactic Reduction

    • Omitting predictable parts of a sentence, commonly found in specialized registers like sports announcers' talk.
    • Example: "[It's] a breaking ball outside"

    Politeness Forms in Japanese

    • Japanese uses a complex system of grammatical forms, including verb endings and honorifics, to express politeness and respect.
    • These forms vary based on social context and relationships.

    Speech Level Selection in Javanese

    • Speakers choose the appropriate speech level based on their relationship to the addressee.
    • This involves considering factors like status, age, wealth, education, and solidarity.

    Speech Convergence in Multilingual Contexts

    • Accommodation can involve selecting the code or variety that is most comfortable for the addressee.
    • Example: a seller using the buyer's language to facilitate a sale.

    Vernacular Style

    • The speech style where speakers give the least attention to monitoring their language.
    • Represents their most natural, relaxed style, with less attention to standard forms.

    Referee Design

    • Speakers adjust their language to align with an absent, but influential third party.
    • This involves adopting the speech style associated with the third party's group.

    Crossing

    • Involves adopting features of another group's speech variety, often temporarily.
    • Example: imitating a particular accent or slang.

    Personification in Tasmanian Narratives

    • Speakers may assign gendered pronouns to inanimate objects in storytelling, reflecting a specific cultural practice.

    Specialised Registers

    • Develop from the need for efficient and precise communication within groups with shared experiences.
    • Examples: medical jargon, legal language, sports announcers' talk.

    Over-convergence

    • Can be perceived negatively if the listener feels the speaker is mocking or being insincere.
    • May lead to feelings of patronization.

    Labov's Methodology

    • Manipulated topics to engage participants emotionally, distracting them from monitoring their speech, resulting in more natural data.

    Baby Talk (Motherese)

    • Characterized by simplified vocabulary, higher pitch, exaggerated intonation, and repetition.

    Influence of Formality on Speech

    • Formality influences vocabulary, grammar, pronunciation, and levels of politeness.

    Social Roles vs. Personal Relationships

    • Social roles can override personal relationships in determining language use.
    • This highlights how social context often influences our language choices.

    Language and Social Roles

    • Formal Titles in Court: A judge and lawyer who are father and son use formal titles in court because the formality of the legal setting overrides their personal relationship.

    Code-Switching

    • Definition: In multilingual communities, code-switching involves switching to a language or dialect known by the listener, usually for accommodation or to signal social meaning.

    Stylisation

    • Shared Characteristic with Code-Switching: Stylisation and code-switching can signal shifts in social meaning or identity.

    Social Class and Style

    • Overlap: Linguistic features related to social class often overlap with those indicating stylistic variation.

    Hypercorrection

    • Definition: Hypercorrection is a phenomenon where speakers, often from lower social classes, overdo their use of prestigious language features in formal contexts, motivated by linguistic insecurity and a desire to sound more correct.

    Hypercorrection in Studies

    • Labov's Study: Labov observed that the lower middle class showed hypercorrection in their use of post-vocalic 'r,' using it more frequently than the upper middle class in formal styles.

    Javanese and Speech Levels

    • Multiple Speech Levels: Javanese has multiple speech levels that reflect social hierarchies, allowing speakers to express respect, formality, and social relationships.

    Politeness in Japanese

    • Language Characteristics: Politeness in Japanese is signaled through extended sentences, negative constructions, polite verb forms, and avoidance of dialect words.

    Sports Commentary Language

    • Key Characteristic: A defining feature of play-by-play sports commentary is the use of telegraphic grammar, with syntax reduction, to convey action quickly.

    Function of Syntactic Inversion

    • In Sports Commentary: Syntactic inversion in sports commentary places the action at the beginning of the sentence to highlight it and allow time for identification of the subjects.

    Registers in Linguistics

    • Definition: A register is a speech variety associated with particular groups of people or situations, often characterized by unique vocabulary, syntax, and phonological features.

    Style Shifting

    • Definition: Style shifting refers to adjusting language use based on social context and audience, reflecting sensitivity to situational factors.

    Minimal Pairs in Sociolinguistics

    • Function: Minimal pairs, pairs of words that differ by only one sound, help researchers identify variations in pronunciation across different speakers or styles.

    Stylistic Choice vs Language Necessity

    • Code-Switching: Code-switching can be stylistic when used for effect or to convey social meanings, rather than out of necessity.

    Factors Affecting Javanese Speech Levels

    • Social Factors: Speakers consider relative status, age, wealth, education, and degree of solidarity when selecting the appropriate speech level in Javanese.

    Situational Code-Switching

    • Definition: Situational code-switching involves changing languages or dialects based on the situation or context.

    Colloquial Style Features

    • Example: Using non-standard grammar and vocabulary, such as "I ain't got none," is characteristic of colloquial style.

    Formula and Routines in Sports Commentary

    • Purpose: Formulas and routines in sports commentary reduce the memory burden on the speaker, providing set phrases and contributing to efficient description.

    Heavy Noun Modification

    • Example: "David Beckham, the legendary midfielder with unparalleled free-kick ability, steps up" is an example of heavy noun modification in sports commentary.

    Recording Groups vs. Individuals

    • Advantage of Group Recordings: Recording groups can create a more natural setting, encouraging relaxed, vernacular speech styles.

    Referee Design

    • Definition: Referee design involves adjusting one's speech style to resemble a third party or reference group, often for social effects.

    Topic Manipulation and Style Shifting

    • Example: Labov engaging participants with emotional stories to elicit vernacular speech demonstrates topic manipulation and style shifting.

    Limitation of Accommodation Theory

    • Individual Identity: Attributing all speech style changes to accommodation ignores the role of individual identity expression and other social factors.

    Occupational Registers

    • Challenge for Outsiders: Occupational registers can be challenging for outsiders due to their use of technical vocabulary and language structures.

    Divergence in Language Use

    • Example: In Montreal, choosing to use English when capable of speaking French can be interpreted as divergence from the Francophone community.

    Vernacular

    • Definition: A vernacular is a nonstandard language or dialect spoken by ordinary people in everyday contexts.

    Audience Design in Media Language

    • Application: Media personalities adjust their language style to match the target audience of a specific broadcast.

    Style Shifting and Context

    • Example: A teenager using 'text-speak' with friends but writing formally in school essays demonstrates style shifting based on context.

    Baby-Talk and Elderly People

    • Potential Effect: While intended to aid communication, using 'baby-talk' with elderly people can be disrespectful and perceived as patronizing.

    Function of Syntactic Inversion

    • Sports Commentary: Syntactic inversion in sports commentary helps focus on the action and create suspense by placing the important information first.

    Social Class Marker

    • Labov's Study: Post-vocalic 'r' pronunciation was a sensitive marker of social class in Labov's New York City study.

    Indexing Social Identity

    • Language Use: People often adopt speech patterns, vocabulary, and accents associated with their social groups, signaling their social identity.

    Purpose of Speech Divergence

    • Social Alignment: Individuals may deliberately diverge from their usual speech style to align with another social group, often for humor or emphasis.

    Distinguishing Style from Register

    • Key Difference: Style is influenced by situational factors, while register is associated with specific groups or occupations.

    Role of Solidarity in Stylistic Choices

    • Influence: Solidarity encourages speakers to adjust their language to emphasize social closeness with the addressee, often through informal language.

    Reading Style

    • Distinctive Feature: Reading style can be significantly different from other speech styles in certain communities.

    Reading and Speaking Styles

    • Reading aloud is a less common activity, leading to more careful and formal language use compared to typical speech.

    Accommodation Theory: Converging Downwards

    • 'Converging downwards' in accommodation theory refers to adjusting one's speech to align with someone who has less status or linguistic proficiency.
    • This often involves simplifying language and using more informal language choices to facilitate communication and build rapport.

    Linguistic Features Signaling Formality

    • Complex sentence structures and Latinate vocabulary (words with Latin origins) signal formality.
    • Avoiding contractions (can't, shouldn't) and slang contribute to formal speech style.

    Informal Speech Style

    • Omitting auxiliary verbs and subject pronouns (e.g., "Gonna see you later") is a characteristic of informal or casual speech.

    Accommodating Foreign Language Learners

    • To accommodate foreigners learning English, speakers should simplify vocabulary and grammar, speak slower, and avoid idiomatic expressions to enhance understanding.

    Hyperlectal Accent

    • A 'hyperlectal' accent is associated with a higher social status or prestige group.
    • This accent is often used in stylistic choices to convey formality or distance, such as imitating Queen Elizabeth's accent.

    The Value of Vernacular Style

    • The vernacular style is considered valuable for linguistic analysis because it reflects the most natural and systematic speech patterns of a speaker.
    • It reveals unmonitored language use, highlighting underlying linguistic structures.

    Social Class and Style Shifting

    • Speakers from lower social classes may display greater style shifting, adjusting their speech more noticeably between casual and formal situations.

    Foreigner Talk

    • 'Foreigner talk' is a simplified speech style used by native speakers when addressing non-native English speakers.
    • It features simpler vocabulary and grammar, emphasizing comprehensibility.

    Overuse of Politeness Strategies

    • Overusing politeness strategies in cross-cultural communication can be perceived as insincere or excessive, potentially leading to misunderstandings or negative impressions.

    Standard Forms in Attentive Speech

    • When speakers pay more attention to their speech, such as in formal situations, they tend to use more standard forms, reflecting heightened language monitoring.

    Factors Influencing Social Distance

    • Relative age, gender, and social roles contribute to determining social distance.
    • Personal hobbies are less likely to significantly affect social distance.

    Register Variation

    • Register variation involves adapting language use based on the social context or group.
    • A doctor using medical jargon with colleagues but simpler terms with patients is an example.

    Politeness in Japanese and English

    • While English relies on lexical choices and polite expressions, Japanese has a complex system of grammatical forms, verb endings, and honorifics to express politeness.

    Nicknames and Diminutives

    • Nicknames or diminutives can indicate a close relationship or solidarity, signifying a more informal and intimate connection between speakers.

    Maintaining Interest in Live Commentary

    • Sports announcers use intonation patterns, volume changes, and exciting language to keep listeners engaged during live broadcasts.

    Misusing Formality in Javanese

    • Misusing levels of formality in languages like Javanese, which have complex politeness systems, can result in insult or social embarrassment due to inappropriate language use.

    Downward Convergence

    • Adjusting vocabulary and grammar to align with a learner's proficiency level, such as speaking slowly and using simple terms when addressing foreigners or children, is an example of downward convergence.

    Vernacular as a 'Holy Grail'

    • The vernacular style is considered a 'holy grail' in social dialectology because it provides the most systematic and natural data for studying language use.

    Development of Registers

    • Registers develop their unique characteristics based on the communication needs, contexts, and shared experiences of specific groups.

    Setting and Language Use

    • The setting can significantly impact language use, influencing the level of formality, vocabulary choice, and overall speech style.

    Honorifics in Japanese

    • Honorifics in Japanese are used to express respect and politeness, indicating the social relationships and relative status between speakers.

    Referee Design

    • Referee design involves shifting speech style to mimic a third party not present, such as imitating a celebrity's accent, drawing on the associations of that speech style.

    Complex Speech Levels in Javanese

    • Javanese is known for its complex system of speech levels based on social hierarchies, requiring speakers to choose language forms carefully based on social status and relationships.

    Style in Sociolinguistics

    • In sociolinguistics, 'style' refers to variations in language use based on social context, the audience, and the purpose of the interaction.

    Speech Divergence as a Political Statement

    • Speech divergence can be used as a political statement, asserting identity and independence from dominant groups by refusing to accommodate linguistically.

    Age and Written Communication

    • Writers may adjust vocabulary complexity and sentence structure based on the age of the intended audience.

    Style Shifting: Revealing Social Meanings

    • Labov's work demonstrates that style shifting reveals how speakers adapt their language in response to context and attention to speech, reflecting underlying social meanings and attitudes.

    Observer's Paradox and Data Collection

    • The observer's paradox highlights the challenge of collecting authentic sociolinguistic data because the presence of an observer can alter participants' natural speech patterns.

    Using Standard Forms in Specific Situations

    • Speakers may use more standard forms in certain situations due to heightened monitoring of their speech in formal contexts, reflecting an awareness of social expectations.

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    This quiz explores how age and audience influence speech styles, including concepts like speech accommodation, convergence, and divergence. Delve into how communicators tailor their language to establish connections or assert individuality.

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