Introduction to Sociolinguistics (EDE60204 Language Use and Society Week1b Lecture)

Summary

This lecture introduces the field of sociolinguistics, which studies the relationship between language use and social factors. Key topics include bilingualism, multilingualism, and the impact of social context on language. The lecturer discusses terms like code-switching, dialects, slang, jargons, and discourse markers. Additionally, the video explores the concepts of social and linguistic prestige, speech communities, and the influence of formal and informal language styles. Through examples like Malaysia, the Philippines, and the US, the lecture examines how language varies based on societal factors, aiming to equip students with the tools to analyze language use critically.

Takeaways

• 😀 Social linguistics is the study of language in relation to social factors such as religion, region, class, and gender.
• 😀 Bilingualism refers to the ability to speak two or more languages, with varying levels of proficiency, while multilingualism refers to the use of multiple languages in a community.
• 😀 Societal bilingualism occurs when an entire society or nation uses two or more languages as official or national languages, like in Malaysia.
• 😀 Code-switching is when speakers switch languages between or within sentences, often as a marker of bilingual identity, not due to poor language skills.
• 😀 Lexical borrowing involves adopting words from other languages, such as 'guru' from Sanskrit or 'entrepreneur' from French.
• 😀 Pidgin languages are simplified languages with no native speakers, while Creoles are developed from pidgins and have native speakers.
• 😀 Dialects are varieties of a language spoken by specific groups, often linked to regions, and differ from accents, which relate to pronunciation.
• 😀 Slang is informal language used within specific social groups and changes quickly due to trends, especially in the context of social media.
• 😀 Jargon refers to specialized language used by professional or academic groups, such as medical or legal terminology.
• 😀 Linguistic prestige is the social value attached to a language variety, with overt prestige given to standardized languages and covert prestige often seen in non-standard varieties.
• 😀 Speech communities are groups that share a common language and use it to form their identities, influencing how language is used in different contexts.

Q & A

What is the main focus of today's lecture?

The main focus of the lecture is an introduction to sociolinguistics, specifically analyzing the relationship between language use and society.

How is social linguistics defined in the script?

Social linguistics is defined as the study of language in relation to social factors such as religion, region, class, occupation, dialect, gender differences, and bilingualism.

What are the different levels of bilingualism mentioned in the lecture?

The lecture outlines various levels of bilingualism, including native-like control of two or more languages, oral competence without literacy in the languages, and proficiency with varying degrees.

What factors contribute to bilingualism or multilingualism in a society?

Factors include growing up in a bilingual or multilingual household, moving to a new country, or attending a school with rich linguistic diversity.

What does societal bilingualism or multilingualism refer to?

Societal bilingualism or multilingualism refers to a country or society where two or more languages are spoken and recognized as official or national languages.

Can you explain the concept of 'diglossia' mentioned in the lecture?

Diglossia refers to a situation in which two languages are used within a community, with one considered the high variety (used in formal contexts) and the other as the low variety (used in informal contexts).

What is code-switching and why is it important in sociolinguistics?

Code-switching is when speakers switch between languages or language varieties within or between sentences depending on the social context. It is important as it serves as a marker of bilingual identity.

What is the difference between a pigeon and a creole language?

A pigeon is a simplified, mixed language with no native speakers, often used for communication between speakers of different languages. A creole, on the other hand, is a fully developed language with native speakers and a more complex structure.

How are dialects different from accents according to the lecture?

Dialects are forms of language spoken by specific groups, often linked to particular regions or communities, and can include variations in vocabulary, grammar, and pronunciation. Accents, however, are related only to pronunciation.

What are discourse markers and how are they used in communication?

Discourse markers are words or phrases like 'okay,' 'well,' or 'anyway' that help speakers transition between ideas, start sentences, or manage conversations. They often function as fillers when speakers pause to think.