In this paper, the author addresses the investigation of social varieties of language such as sociolects. This work will concentrate on vernacular, slang, argot, domain, register and jargon of the English language. For this purpose the author analyses definitions, terms and examples.
The way we speak is an indicator of our social background as there are many features which can be used as clues. Sociolect is when a person speaks in accordance with the social group. If we know the history of different varieties of a language we can learn about the region, history and people. The speech of the dominant class is referred as the standard speech whereas the speech of the minority groups is referred as dialects. The main aim of this study is to explore the different concepts and differentiate them one by one.
Table of Contents
- Abstract
- Introduction
- Social Dialect or Sociolect
- Vernacular
- Slang
- Jargon
- Register
- Discourse Domain
- Argot
- Conclusion
Objectives and Key Themes
This research paper aims to explore the concept of sociolects and differentiate various related linguistic features. It investigates how language use reflects social background and examines the relationships between language and social factors.
- Defining and differentiating sociolects from other language variations (dialects, etc.)
- Exploring the characteristics and usage of vernacular language.
- Analyzing the role of social class and status in shaping language use.
- Examining specific sociolinguistic features: slang, jargon, register, discourse domain, and argot.
- Understanding the connection between language variation and social identity.
Chapter Summaries
Abstract: This abstract introduces the study of sociolects as a way to understand the relationship between language and social background. It highlights the paper's goal to investigate several aspects of sociolects including vernacular, slang, jargon, register, discourse domain, and argot. The study aims to explore these concepts and clearly differentiate them.
Introduction: This chapter establishes the core premise that language use reveals social background. It briefly introduces sociolects and related terms – vernacular, slang, argot, register, discourse domain, and jargon – which will be examined in detail later. The chapter distinguishes sociolects from dialects, emphasizing that sociolects relate to social groups while dialects relate to geographic regions. It sets the stage for a deeper investigation into how sociolects function within English.
Social Dialect or Sociolect: This chapter delves into the definition and scope of sociolects within the field of sociolinguistics, explaining the relationship between language and social factors such as class, education, and occupation. It contrasts the study of regional dialects with the study of sociolects, focusing on the speech patterns of different social classes (middle class versus working class) within urban settings. It uses examples to illustrate how language variations highlight social distinctions. The chapter also introduces the concept of linguistic variables and systematic variation in usage.
Vernacular: This section defines vernacular language as everyday informal speech used within a specific group, community, or region. It highlights the differences between vernacular and formal, codified language, emphasizing its unstandardized nature and use in everyday interactions and home settings. The difficulty students encounter in transitioning from vernacular to formal writing is also discussed.
Keywords
Sociolect, dialect, vernacular, slang, jargon, register, discourse domain, argot, social class, language variation, sociolinguistics, linguistic variable.
Frequently Asked Questions: A Comprehensive Language Preview
What is the overall topic of this research paper?
The research paper explores the concept of sociolects and differentiates various related linguistic features. It investigates how language use reflects social background and examines the relationships between language and social factors.
What are the key themes explored in the paper?
Key themes include defining and differentiating sociolects from other language variations (dialects, etc.), exploring the characteristics and usage of vernacular language, analyzing the role of social class and status in shaping language use, examining specific sociolinguistic features (slang, jargon, register, discourse domain, and argot), and understanding the connection between language variation and social identity.
What are the specific linguistic features examined in this paper?
The paper examines sociolects, vernacular, slang, jargon, register, discourse domain, and argot, differentiating them and exploring their roles in social communication.
How does the paper define and differentiate sociolects from other language variations?
The paper distinguishes sociolects from dialects, emphasizing that sociolects relate to social groups while dialects relate to geographic regions. It focuses on the speech patterns of different social classes within urban settings.
What is the role of social class and status in shaping language use, according to the paper?
The paper analyzes how social class and status significantly influence language use, impacting choices in vocabulary, grammar, and pronunciation, leading to observable variations in speech patterns among different social groups.
What is vernacular language, and how is it addressed in the paper?
The paper defines vernacular language as everyday informal speech used within a specific group, community, or region. It highlights the differences between vernacular and formal, codified language, emphasizing its unstandardized nature and use in everyday interactions and home settings. The difficulties students encounter in transitioning from vernacular to formal writing are also discussed.
What is the structure of the paper?
The paper is structured into sections including an abstract, introduction, a detailed chapter on sociolects (covering vernacular, slang, jargon, register, discourse domain, and argot), and a conclusion. Each section provides a summary and analysis of its respective topic.
What are the keywords associated with this research paper?
The keywords are: Sociolect, dialect, vernacular, slang, jargon, register, discourse domain, argot, social class, language variation, sociolinguistics, linguistic variable.
What is the purpose of the chapter on "Social Dialect or Sociolect"?
This chapter delves into the definition and scope of sociolects within sociolinguistics, explaining the relationship between language and social factors like class, education, and occupation. It contrasts the study of regional dialects with the study of sociolects, focusing on the speech patterns of different social classes within urban settings and illustrating how language variations highlight social distinctions.
What is the significance of the "Conclusion" section?
The conclusion section summarizes the key findings of the research paper, reinforcing the understanding of sociolects and their relationship with social background. It likely reiterates the importance of studying language variation to understand social dynamics.
- Quote paper
- Denis Kastrati (Author), 2017, Sociolects. Language Variations in Sociolinguistics, Munich, GRIN Verlag, https://www.grin.com/document/585246
