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Sociolinguistics: Understanding Language Variation and Social Significance

Explore linguistic and extra-linguistic variables, social groups, and the complexities of identifying social class in variation studies. Learn about Labov's distinctions, data collection methods, and the Observer's Paradox in this comprehensive course for language enthusiasts.

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Sociolinguistics: Understanding Language Variation and Social Significance

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  1. L23B: Sociolinguistics 2005-2006 Please Turn off all cellular phones & pagers L23B Website: www.mona.uwi.edu/dllp/courses/l23b

  2. Course Assessment • Incourse Test (40% of total grade) TEST DATE: MONDAY, APRIL 3, 2006 (2-4pm) • Final Exam (60% of total grade)

  3. Topics for this Session • Review: Linguistic Variables • Extra-linguistic Variables • Data Collection & Analysis

  4. Labov distinguishes Linguistic Variable as: • Indicators - little or no social significance attached • Markers/Socially diagnostic variables – carries social significance. • Stereotypes – popular and conscious characterization of the speech of a particular group.

  5. Causes of Variation • Extra linguistic variables 3 main types: Speaker variables Group Variables Situation Variables

  6. Speaker variables • Characteristics of the individual, such as: Age Gender Ethnic origin Social background Regional origin Level of education Occupation

  7. Group variables • Factors that are external to the speaker: Prestige Stigma Correctness

  8. Situation variables (DIATYPIC VARIATION) • Context • Environment • Formality

  9. Dyatypic Variation Eg. A Politician The linguistic variation might be seen in: • the manner of address • the use of colloquialisms, jargons • the selection of topic and examples • the level of detail presented

  10. Social Groups • Primary assignment based on: social class membership, sex, age, ethnicity, etc. • Secondary assignment: – church membership - leisure-time activities - community involvement

  11. Can you quantify… • Sex? • Age? • Race? • Ethnicity?

  12. Social Class • How do you determine someone’s class ranking? • How precise can you get? Upper Working Class Lower Middle Class Middle Middle Class Upper Middle Class

  13. Social class cont’d Problems determining class: (a) Classifying someone based on statistics (b) The designations used- eg. MMC? (c) Are criteria applicable to all in the society?

  14. Social Class cont’d • How do you determine the social class ranking of children?

  15. Variation Studies - Micro Process – identify: linguistic variables • social variables • relationship between (1) & (2) • data collection method • sample to be used

  16. Data Collection Problem: Observer’s Paradox • investigation method may affect outcome. • injecting personal bias.

  17. Types of collection method: • Self–reported method: Questionnaires or Interviews (structured or open-ended) • Audio/Visual recording • Overt or covert Observation

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