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Language Variety

Language Variety. All speakers of a language have a linguistic repertoire to negotiate through languages, dialects, registers The appropriate usage is determined by the speech situation and the speaker's illocution

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Language Variety

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  1. Language Variety • All speakers of a language have a linguistic repertoire to negotiate through • languages, dialects, registers • The appropriate usage is determined by the speech situation and the speaker's illocution • speaker tries to match situation and usage, unless the “inappropriate” usage adds to the speaker's intended meaning

  2. Registers • Register is monolingual language use that fits a specific situation • can be used to mark formality, familiarity, social class, social group, profession, etc • Most obvious marker of register is lexicon; also noticeable is syntax and pragmatic discourse markers

  3. Jargon • Lexicon specific to profession or activity • Reflects specialized knowledge • CPU, mother board, CDR/W • Context specific meaning • what is the difference between “significant” in the social sciences vs. the humanities? • Meaning doesn't change easily • more often new jargon is added to make distinctions

  4. Slang • Informal language that marks a social group • Constantly changing, both meaning and lexicon • meanings of “cool” • words meaning “something positive” • Often word play or resignification • cuts, confuckulated, bitchin' • Can be incorporated into formal registers, but then loses it's in-group function

  5. Taboo Language • Language use that is stigmatized within a society • Profanity: using “sacred” language in inappropriate situations • damn, bloody • Vulgarities: using “uneducated” language to refer to socially sensitive topics • shit, cock, cunt, piss, fuck • Expletives: using either profanity or vulgarity to express internal state of mind

  6. Euphemisms • Replacing word or phrase with a more socially acceptable word or phrase • Used often when addressing socially sensitive topics • human reproduction; death • Also tend to have more positive connotation • let go vs. fired; collateral damage vs. unintended civilian causalities • More they are used, they tend to loose positive connotation, but still considered polite

  7. Familiarity Markers • Familiarity Marker: marks social relationships between speakers • Terms of address • the use of a title (Mr., Dr., Rev., Esq.) • being on a “first name basis” with someone • nicknames • Teasing/Bantering/Sarcasm • Flirting/Giving complements

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