SOC101 - Language, Dialect, Variety

Summary

This video explores the complex distinctions between languages and dialects, challenging the idea that mutual intelligibility is the sole criterion. It examines examples like Dutch and German, varieties of Chinese, and Jamaican Creole, demonstrating the varying degrees of comprehension between speakers. The video then introduces criteria for defining languages, such as standardization, vitality, and autonomy, before discussing the concepts of regional, social, and phonological dialects. It concludes by highlighting how these factors contribute to our understanding of language and variety distinctions.

Takeaways

• 🤔 The difficulty in distinguishing between languages and dialects lies in the concept of mutual intelligibility.
• 🌐 Problem cases like Dutch and German show that mutual intelligibility isn't always straightforward.
• 📚 The Chinese language illustrates the importance of differentiating between phonology and orthography.
• 🗣️ Jamaican Creole challenges the notion of mutual intelligibility as a definitive criterion for language classification.
• 📘 Standardization is a key criterion for defining a language, involving grammar, spelling rules, and dictionaries.
• 🌿 Vitality refers to the existence of a living community of speakers, distinguishing living languages from dead ones.
• 🏙️ Autonomy is a subjective criterion where a language must be felt as distinct from others.
• 📉 Reduction involves reduced written standards and societal functions, helping to differentiate varieties from standard languages.
• 📖 Norms are present in languages but not in varieties, where speakers have a sense of proper usage.
• 🗺️ Regional dialects are primarily associated with geographical differences in language.
• 👥 Social dialects are influenced by social factors such as the roles and relationships of speakers.
• 🎭 Phonological dialects, or accents, are defined by variables in pronunciation, such as the realization of certain vowel or consonant sounds.

Q & A

What is one of the most difficult theoretical issues in linguistics?

One of the most difficult theoretical issues in linguistics is to distinguish between language and dialect or language and varieties.

What is the initial assumption about language and dialect?

The initial assumption is that if two people speak differently but understand each other, they must speak varieties of the same language; if not, they speak different languages.

What is the problem with the initial assumption regarding language and dialect?

The problem is that the assumption might be too simplistic and does not account for the complexities of language variation and mutual intelligibility.

What are the three problem cases discussed in the script?

The three problem cases discussed are the relationship between Dutch and German, Chinese and its varieties, and Jamaican Creole.

Why is the Dutch and German example a problem in defining language and dialect?

The Dutch and German example is a problem because Dutch speakers can understand German, but German speakers cannot understand Dutch, which challenges the mutual intelligibility criterion for defining language and dialect.

What does the Chinese example reveal about the relationship between phonology and orthography?

The Chinese example reveals that despite having the same writing system, the phonology can be completely different, indicating that one must distinguish between phonology and orthography.

What is the issue with using mutual intelligibility as the sole criterion for defining language?

The issue is that mutual intelligibility can be problematic as it does not account for directionality, levels of intelligibility, or degrees of intelligibility, which can vary among speakers.

What are the criteria used to define what a language is, as mentioned in the script?

The criteria used to define a language include standardization, vitality, autonomy, and reduction.

What is meant by the criterion of 'vitality' in language definition?

Vitality refers to the existence of a living community of speakers, distinguishing languages which are alive from those which are dead.

How does the criterion of 'autonomy' contribute to defining a language?

Autonomy is a subjective criterion where a language must be felt as distinct from other languages, contributing to its definition.

What are the three main types of dialects or varieties mentioned in the script?

The three main types of dialects or varieties mentioned are regional dialects, social dialects, and phonological dialects.

What is a regional dialect and how is it identified?

A regional dialect is associated with regional differences in pronunciation and usage, often identified by distinctive phonological features like the degree of post-vocalic R pronunciation.

How do social factors influence the formation of social dialects?

Social factors such as the role of the speaker and listener, their relationship, and the topic of conversation influence the formation of social dialects.

What is a phonological dialect and how does it differ from a regional dialect?

A phonological dialect is defined by variations in pronunciation, which might be referred to as an accent. It differs from a regional dialect in that it focuses on the sound system rather than regional origin.