Language Dialects Registers and Idiolects Sociolinguistics Lect 3

Language, Dialects, Registers, and Idiolects Sociolinguistics, Lect. 3 Munira al-Azraqi

What is the difference between a language and a dialect Language dialects

Some possible definitions: Languages are divided into dialects Dialects are regional varieties of language Dialects are regional and social varieties of language • But first we have to ask: what do we mean by a language?

LANGUAGE: “A code whereby ideas…are represented through a conventional, rule-based, system of arbitrary symbols for communication. ” Communication of thoughts and feelings through a system of arbitrary signals, such as voice sounds, gestures, or written symbols. b. Such a system including its rules for combining its components, such as words. c. Such a system as used by a nation, people, or other distinct community

Dialect A variation of a language. Regional dialects Pacific northwest (Oregon, Montana…) Pacific southwest (California, Nevada…) Central plains (Nebraska, Kansas…) North central (Minnesota, Dakotas…) South central (Kentucky, Tennessee…) * Examples of different regional dialects: Example one: in British English: pavement, boot, bonnet, petrol, baggage. But in American English: sidewalk, trunk, hood, gas, luggage. Example two: the word tog in English refers to clothes one wears in formal dinner, but in New Zealand, it refers to clothes one wears to swim in.

A dialect continuum, or dialect area, was defined by Leonard Bloomfield as a range of dialects spoken across some geographical area that differ only slightly between neighboring areas, but as one travels in any direction, these differences accumulate such that speakers from opposite ends of the continuum are no longer mutually intelligible

An isogloss—also called is the locative boundary of a certain linguistic feature, such as the pronunciation of a vowel, the meaning of a word, or use of some syntactic feature. Major dialects are typically demarcated by groups of isoglosses; for example the Benrath line distinguishes High German from the other West Germanic languages; and the La Spezia –Rimini Line divides the Northern Italian dialects from Central Italian dialects. However, an individual isogloss may or may not have any coincidence with a language border

National language: it is the main language of political, social and cultural practices, where people use it as a symbol of their national unity / Official language is the language used by governments formal functions / In a monolingual community, a national language is usually also the official language, but in bilingual or multilingual communities, it may or may not be the official language. For example: English and French are both official languages in Canada.

The debate between Classical Arabic and dialects Some people call for dialects to be national languages; each for each country as Egyptian, Syrian. . etc. Others refused and insisted on using the Classical Arabic as the national official language.

Standard Language: a standard variety is generally one which is written, and which has undergone some degree of regulation or codification (in a grammar and a dictionary).

The development of Standard English illustrates the three essential criteria which characterise a standard: It emerged in the 15 th as a delicate of the London area and it was influential or prestigious variety (it was used by the merchants of London, it was codified and stabilised (the introduction of the first printing press by Caxton accelerated its codification), and it served H functions in that it was used for communication at Court, for literature and for administration

Planning for a national official language: 1 - Selection: selecting the variety or code to by developed. 2 - Codification: standardising its structural or linguistic features. 3 - Elaboration: extending its functions for use in new domains. 4 - Securing its acceptance: acceptance by people in terms of attitude & prestige.

A dialect becomes a standard: 1. 2. 3. 4. Selection. The dialect of the ruling or most influential class is adopted as the standard. Literacy. It acquires a written form. Standardizaton. Grammars and dictionaries are composed, spelling becomes fixed, and are competing grammatical or spelling forms current, one is adopted as correct and the other(s) are deemed incorrect. Elaboration. Its vocabulary increases with cultural, philosophical, technological and scientific development

The standard language: “French”, “German” Social axis REGIONAL DIALECTS Geographical axis

Social dialects: a variety of language that reflects social variation in language use, according to certain factors related to the social group of the speaker such as education, occupation, income level (upper-class English, middle-class English and lower-class English. For example: Standard English can be classified as a type of social English spoken by the well-educated English speakers throughout the world. * Received Pronunciation (the Queens English) or BBC English (the accent of the beast educated and most prestigious members of English society) is classified as a social accent.

Ethnic/Cultural Dialects African-American Dialect Black English Ebonics African-American Vernacular Asian English Affected Hispanic by first language English Affected by first language

The difference between dialects and accents: - Accent: accents are distinguished from each other by pronunciation. - Dialects: linguistic varieties which are distinguishable by their vocabulary, grammar and pronunciation.

Accent modification therapy Vowel errors Prosody errors Word stress Message level intonation Consonant errors Syllable structure differences Open syllables of Asian languages

IDIOLECT Each individual’s own dialect, affected by numerous variables. Where have you lived? Where did your parents grow up? Who were your friends? Where did they grow up? What languages do you know?

REGISTER: Styles of speech, adjusted to the needs of our listeners How does your speech change when you talk to Your pastor? Your mom? Your roommate? Your college professor? Your waitress? Your best friend? Your 3 year old niece? In mosque In school