Chapter 6

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Questions and Answers

What is a vernacular language or dialect?

A home language learned informally and used in casual contexts (correct)

A language used officially by governments

A standardized form taught in schools

A language that has no native speakers

Which factor is NOT important in constructing social identity through language?

Gender

Ethnicity

Social status

Biological inheritance (correct)

What can listeners often identify when they answer the telephone?

The caller's favorite language

The caller's exact age

The caller's educational background

The caller's regional origins (correct)

In which English-speaking country is the letter 'r' in words like 'girl' and 'star' pronounced?

Scotland Signup and view all the answers

What term do New Zealanders use for 'swimming costume'?

Togs Signup and view all the answers

What is an isogloss?

A line on a map marking linguistic boundaries Signup and view all the answers

Which term describes a chain or continuum of dialects across a geographic area?

Dialect chain Signup and view all the answers

What is the significance of regional dialects in social interactions?

They can reveal information about a person's background. Signup and view all the answers

What challenges the distinction between 'language' and 'dialect'?

Political and social functions of language Signup and view all the answers

Why is the term 'vernacular' preferred over 'non-standard'?

To avoid negative connotations associated with 'non-standard' Signup and view all the answers

What is 'Received Pronunciation' (RP)?

The standard accent of English in Britain Signup and view all the answers

Which group is least likely to employ RP in their speech?

Well-educated Scots Signup and view all the answers

What does 'levelling' refer to in the context of dialects?

The merging of dialects into a homogenous form Signup and view all the answers

Which term pertains to linguistic varieties distinguished by vocabulary, grammar, and pronunciation?

Dialect Signup and view all the answers

What is NOT a defining characteristic of a vernacular dialect?

Used in formal contexts Signup and view all the answers

How many stylistic levels are present in the Javanese language?

Six Signup and view all the answers

What does the term 'isoglosses' refer to?

Boundary lines separating linguistic areas Signup and view all the answers

What feature distinguishes social classes in the pronunciation of 'house' and 'heaven' in England?

Dropping the initial 'h' Signup and view all the answers

Which phenomenon involves varying speech forms based on the social context?

Style-shifting Signup and view all the answers

In Labov's study, which variable was examined to explore social stratification?

Pronunciation of post-vocalic 'r' Signup and view all the answers

What complicates defining linguistic boundaries between dialects?

Dialects blend into each other across regions Signup and view all the answers

Which option is an example of a vernacular grammatical feature?

'They don't want no help.' Signup and view all the answers

What term describes the use of multiple negative words within a single clause?

Negative concord Signup and view all the answers

What is style-shifting in speech?

Varying speech within one language based on context Signup and view all the answers

Which characteristic defines a stable variable in language variation?

A feature that consistently correlates with social factors over time Signup and view all the answers

Which speech characteristic is most likely associated with lower social class speech?

Higher frequency of vernacular forms Signup and view all the answers

What is the significance of studying age-related variation in language?

To study language change over time Signup and view all the answers

Which term refers to a language used for communication between groups with different native languages?

Lingua franca Signup and view all the answers

Where is [h]-dropping most commonly observed?

At the beginning of words Signup and view all the answers

Why is pronunciation considered a stable indicator of social class?

Because pronunciation patterns are stable indicators Signup and view all the answers

What defines a dialect chain?

A continuum where dialects merge gradually over regions Signup and view all the answers

What does 'social network' refer to in linguistic terms?

The interconnectedness of individuals in society Signup and view all the answers

Which feature is commonly found in the Cockney dialect?

Pronouncing 'th' as 'f' Signup and view all the answers

What is a challenge when collecting social dialect data?

Creating effective survey questions Signup and view all the answers

What does variable pronunciation refer to?

Pronunciations that change systematically based on factors Signup and view all the answers

What is the main role of standard languages in society?

They serve to unify speakers Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is an example of vernacular pronunciation?

All of the above Signup and view all the answers

Which group uses all six stylistic levels in Javanese society?

Highly educated highest status group Signup and view all the answers

What does sharp stratification in linguistic variables refer to?

Distinct language use based on social class divisions Signup and view all the answers

In which country is the term 'sole parents' commonly used?

Australia Signup and view all the answers

Which characteristic is NOT associated with Cockney dialect?

Regular use of standard English grammar Signup and view all the answers

What does dialect leveling involve?

The reduction of dialectal distinctiveness Signup and view all the answers

Which description best fits a standard dialect?

Used by well-educated speakers Signup and view all the answers

Why is there less regional variation in New Zealand and Australian English?

High levels of intra-national communication Signup and view all the answers

What did Labov's study reveal about the relationship between pronunciation and social class in New York City?

It demonstrated a link between pronunciation and social class Signup and view all the answers

In which version of French is 'djobe' used for 'work'?

Canada Signup and view all the answers

Why are certain dialect features considered 'stigmatized'?

They are associated with lower social classes Signup and view all the answers

What term describes a language that emerges between groups without a common language?

Pidgin Signup and view all the answers

Which term is often used to replace 'non-standard' to avoid negative implications?

Vernacular Signup and view all the answers

Which best defines 'Estuary English'?

An accent developed along the Thames Estuary Signup and view all the answers

What does 'fine stratification' in linguistic data indicate?

Subtle differences indicating language change in progress Signup and view all the answers

What influences variation in speech among individuals?

Both social and linguistic factors Signup and view all the answers

In sociolinguistic studies, what role does 'prestige' play?

It influences which forms are adopted by others Signup and view all the answers

In Montreal French, where is the [l] sound almost absent?

Impersonal 'il' Signup and view all the answers

What does the term 'vernacular' refer to?

A form of language learned in informal settings Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following social factors is NOT typically considered in sociolinguistic research?

Eye color Signup and view all the answers

What is often the outcome of 'levelling' in language?

High levels of communication and mobility Signup and view all the answers

In dialect studies, what is represented by a 'cell'?

A compartment in a sample analysis Signup and view all the answers

Which best defines 'social class dialects'?

Dialects associated with social and economic status Signup and view all the answers

Why is vocabulary often less illuminating in social dialect studies?

It is less systematic than pronunciation and grammar Signup and view all the answers

Which pattern is observed with the vernacular '-in'' ending (e.g., 'runnin')?

It is used more by lower social classes Signup and view all the answers

What does 'pidginization' refer to in linguistics?

The simplification of language due to language contact Signup and view all the answers

Why is understanding the linguistic environment of a variable crucial in social dialectology?

It can influence the occurrence of certain forms Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is an example of a regional dialect?

Boston English Signup and view all the answers

What complicates the distinction between 'language' and 'dialect'?

Social and political factors influence the distinction Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary focus when people perceive variation in language according to age and gender?

Immediate social factors Signup and view all the answers

What role do dialect surveys play in understanding linguistic variations?

They analyze and document language patterns Signup and view all the answers

How does linguistic variation relate to social identity?

It can indicate group membership and support Signup and view all the answers

What is a potential outcome of the process known as 'pidginization'?

Development of a creole Signup and view all the answers

Why is it challenging to draw linguistic boundaries on maps?

Linguistic features overlap across regions Signup and view all the answers

What distinguishes 'Estuary English' from other dialects?

It shares some features with Cockney but is distinct Signup and view all the answers

In social dialect studies, what does the term 'have vs. have got' typically signify?

Social class distinctions Signup and view all the answers

What makes 'negative concord' a noticeable feature in vernacular language?

It is a stigmatized and salient feature Signup and view all the answers

What do sociolinguistic patterns reflect in language studies?

Systematic links between language and social factors Signup and view all the answers

What do social dialect surveys typically indicate about language use?

Language reflects social distinctions Signup and view all the answers

Which example represents a vernacular form in English grammar?

They ain't going nowhere. Signup and view all the answers

What is the key purpose of using a 'quota sample' in dialect studies?

To ensure diverse participant representation Signup and view all the answers

What is a reliable indicator in studies of pronunciation features?

They show consistent social patterns Signup and view all the answers

What do dialect chains illustrate about language?

The smooth and gradual transition across regions Signup and view all the answers

What aspect of standard and vernacular forms is described as arbitrary?

The linguistic forms considered prestigious Signup and view all the answers

In sociolinguistics, what does 'ethnicity' refer to regarding language variation?

Cultural and linguistic heritage Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is a social function of language variation?

To indicate belonging to specific social groups Signup and view all the answers

Which feature is NOT typically associated with distinguishing social dialects?

Distinct biological characteristics Signup and view all the answers

What does 'Estuary English' represent in terms of language variation?

A regional accent variation from the Thames Estuary Signup and view all the answers

How does social mobility affect social dialects?

It enables individuals to alter their speech patterns. Signup and view all the answers

Why are grammatical differences significant in studies of social dialects?

They often reflect deep-rooted social distinctions. Signup and view all the answers

In Indian languages, which groups are suggested to use distinct dialects?

High caste (Brahmins) and low caste (non-Brahmins) Signup and view all the answers

What is a particular challenge encountered when analyzing vowel pronunciation differences?

Difficulty in measuring subtle variations accurately. Signup and view all the answers

What does the term 'rhotic pronunciation' specifically refer to?

The articulation of the 'r' sound following vowels. Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Vernacular Languages and Dialects

A vernacular language or dialect is learned at home and used in informal, casual settings, lacking official prestige.
Social status, gender, ethnicity, and social networks all influence the construction of social identity through language.
Listeners often identify a caller's regional origins based on their accent.
The pronunciation of the letter 'r' in words like "girl" and "star" varies among English-speaking countries, with Scots pronouncing it differently from English.
An isogloss is a line on a map that separates areas with different linguistic features, marking boundaries between regions with distinct dialectal characteristics.
A dialect chain links dialects from one village or town to the next, showing gradual changes in language features across a geographic area.
Distinguishing between "language" and "dialect" is often arbitrary and influenced by social and political functions.
The term "vernacular" is used to avoid the negative connotations associated with "non-standard".
Received Pronunciation (RP) is the standard accent of English in Britain associated with the most prestigious members of society.
While RP is often associated with upper-class English speakers, it is not used by all individuals of high social standing.
Levelling refers to the reduction of dialect and accent variation, resulting in a more homogenized language.
Social dialects are language varieties associated with particular social groups or regions, reflecting their social and cultural identity.
Although it lacks public prestige, a vernacular dialect is often valued for expressing solidarity and identity among its speakers.
Javanese has six distinct stylistic levels of speech, reflecting social hierarchy and power relations.
Dropping the initial "h" in words like "house" and "heaven" is a linguistic feature that can distinguish social classes in England.
Style-shifting describes the ability of speakers to adjust their speech styles based on social context, often using more standard forms in formal settings.
In Labov's New York City study, the pronunciation of post-vocalic "r" was used as a marker of social stratification.
Dialects often blend into one another, making it difficult to define clear boundaries between them.
Negative concord refers to the use of multiple negative words in a single clause, common in vernacular dialects.
Sharp stratification is observed when there are clear divisions in linguistic variables between social classes.
"Sole parent" is a term used in Australia to refer to single parents.
Cockney dialect is known for its non-standard grammatical features, including dropping the initial "h" and use of rhyming slang.
Dialect leveling refers to the reduction of dialect differences, often occurring during language standardization processes.
A standard dialect is a form of language typically associated with higher social prestige, used by well-educated speakers.
New Zealand and Australian English have less regional variation due to high levels of inter-national communication and relatively small populations.
Montreal French includes the term "djobe" for "work," indicating regional linguistic differences in French-speaking societies.
A sociolect is a language variety that reflects a speaker's social background.
Estuary English is an accent originating along the Thames Estuary, combining features of Cockney with more standard speech patterns.
Social and linguistic factors both influence speech variation, resulting in how individuals use language in different contexts.
The [l] sound has almost disappeared in impersonal "il" in Montreal French.
"Vernacular" implies that a dialect is learned at home and used informally in casual contexts.
In sociolinguistic studies, a "cell" refers to a box in a sampling diagram representing a specific group or category.
"Sharp stratification" indicates clear divisions in language use between social classes, showing a stark relationship between linguistic variation and social hierarchies.
Middle-class speakers may avoid using multiple negation due to its association with social stigma and lower social status.
Rapid and anonymous surveys are a method for collecting sociolinguistic data, where respondents answer quickly and anonymously.
Style-shifting is the ability to adapt one's speech style based on situational contexts, ranging from casual to formal settings.
A stable variable is a linguistic feature that consistently correlates with social factors over time, revealing consistent patterns in language variation across different generations.
Lower social classes generally tend to have a higher frequency of vernacular forms in their speech, reflecting social and linguistic norms of their group.
Studying age-related variation in language enables researchers to understand how language changes over time, examining shifts in linguistic features across different generations.
An idiolect refers to an individual's unique speech pattern, reflecting their personal linguistic preferences and influences.
A lingua franca is a language used for communication between groups speaking different native languages, facilitating intercultural understanding and interaction.
[h]-dropping is most noticeable at the beginning of words, serving as a linguistic feature that can distinguish social classes and regional dialects.
Pronunciation is important in identifying social class differences because patterns of pronunciation often serve as stable indicators of socioeconomic background.
A dialect chain represents a gradual continuum of linguistic variation across geographic regions, where dialects blend into one another.
In the context of sociolinguistics, "social network" refers to the interconnectedness of individuals in society, influencing language use and social identity.
"Cockney" dialect is known for its distinctive pronunciation, including pronouncing "th" as "f" and using rhyming slang.
Finding enough participants, ensuring consistent linguistic contexts, and accounting for individual variation are all methodological challenges in collecting social dialect data.
Variable pronunciation refers to systematic changes in pronunciation based on factors such as social class, region, or context, contributing to the richness and diversity of language.
Standard languages can play a unifying role in society, promoting cohesion and common understanding among speakers.
Vernacular pronunciation in English includes features such as dropping the initial "h" in words, multiple negation, and regional variations in vowel sounds.

Vernacular Pronunciation & Dialect Features

"Gonna" for "going", "axed" for "asked", and dropping "r" in "car" (non-rhotic) are examples of vernacular pronunciations, which differ across English dialects.
Labov's department store study demonstrated how pronunciation is linked to social class, specifically in New York City's pronunciation of "r".
Dialect features associated with lower social classes often carry social stigma.
"Vernacular" is used instead of "non-standard" to avoid negative connotations.

"Fine stratification" within linguistic data suggests subtle differences, possibly indicating language change in progress.
"Prestige" in linguistic studies refers to the influence of certain linguistic forms on others, leading to their adoption.
Social factors commonly considered in sociolinguistic studies include age, gender, and ethnicity.
"Levelling" in language often occurs due to increased communication and mobility, lessening regional differences.

Social class dialects are associated with social and economic status differences.
Vocabulary differences are less systematic than pronunciation and grammar, making them less illuminating for social dialect studies.
The vernacular "-in'" ending (e.g., "runnin'") is more commonly used by lower social classes.

Pidgins, Creoles, and Language Contact

A pidgin is a simplified language that develops when groups with no common language need to communicate.
"Pidginization" refers to the simplification of language through contact, often resulting in limited grammar and vocabulary.

Identifying Linguistic Boundaries

Describing language vs. dialect is difficult due to social and political factors influencing the distinction.
"Idiolect" describes an individual's unique speech patterns.
"Dialect chains" illustrate the fluidity of language change gradually across regions.
Selecting certain linguistic forms as prestigious is arbitrary.

Ethnicity, in language variation studies, refers to cultural and linguistic heritage, influencing language use.
One social function of language variation is to signal membership of social groups and construct social identity.
Social dialects are distinguished by vocabulary, pronunciation, and grammar, not biological traits.
"Estuary English" is a regional accent variation that originated in the Thames Estuary.

Social mobility can cause individuals to adopt different speech patterns associated with a different social class.
Grammatical differences can offer deeper insight into social distinctions than vocabulary differences.
In Indian languages, distinct dialects are used by Brahmins and non-Brahmins, reflecting caste differences.

Analyzing Language Variation and Policy

The linguistic environment can influence the occurrence of certain linguistic forms, affecting variation patterns.
Analyzing vowel pronunciation differences is challenging due to the difficulty in measuring slight, significant differences.
"Rhotic pronunciation" refers to pronouncing the 'r' sound after vowels, as in "car."
In language and identity discussions, other factors like gender and age are often more immediately noticeable than social class to individuals.
Dialect surveys contribute to our understanding of language variation by documenting and analyzing patterns of variation.
Language variation can signal group membership and solidarity, contributing to social identity.
"Pidginization" can eventually lead to the development of a creole language as it is fully adopted.

The difficulty in drawing linguistic boundaries on maps stems from the overlap and blending of linguistic features across regions.
"Estuary English" shares some features with Cockney but is a distinct accent.
The use of "have" vs. "have got" can reflect social class differences.
"Negative concord" is a noticeable, stigmatized vernacular feature.
Sociolinguistic patterns are systematic correlations between language and social factors.
Social dialect surveys reveal that language reflects and reinforces social distinctions.

Vernacular Forms and Sampling Methods

"I ain't got none" is an example of a vernacular form in English grammar.
A "quota sample" ensures the representation of specific groups in a study.
Pronunciation features, like h-dropping, are reliable indicators as they show consistent patterns correlating with social factors.

Studying That Suits You

Use AI to generate personalized quizzes and flashcards to suit your learning preferences.

Description

Test your knowledge on vernacular languages and their dialects with this quiz. Explore how social factors influence language use, regional accents, and the concept of isoglosses. Challenge yourself to distinguish between language and dialect in various contexts.