Terms for Linguistics Test 1:

1. Introduction

standard language (variety) pg. 20 21
A standard language is usually identified as a relatively uniform variety of a language which does
not show regional variation, and which is used in a wide range of communicative functions (e.g.
official language, medium of education, scientific language, etc.).
Standard varieties tend to observe prescriptive [written] norms, which are codified in grammars and
dictionaries. (Unlike non-standard varieties, whose norms are generally uncodified and unwritten.)
Standard languages may regarded as idealised varieties.

Prescriptivism pg. 12 - 19
A doctrine that holds certain features of a language to be incorrect and in need of replacement by
other forms. These forms are deemed correct on the grounds of logic, appeal to classical forms,
preference for older forms of the language, [and an injunction against using foreign words.]

Descriptivism pg. 12
An approach within linguistics that aims to describe objectively the rules of a language as they are
actually used by its speakers in a range of situations, without bringing any preconceived notion of
correctness to the task.

appropriateness pg. 19
A term used in contract to prescriptive notions of correctness; it involves assessing which language
forms are better suited or more regularly used in a specific context.
This notion involves a compromise between prescriptivism and descriptivism, because it holds that
language variation is to be expected in informal speech, but that more formal contexts of speech
require a shift toward more standardised forms.


2. Regional Dialectology

Isogloss pg. 49 - 55
In Dialectology, this is a dividing line or boundary, plotted on a showing where one linguistic form
gives way to another. (Generally these barriers shall coincide with geographical or socio-political
barriers.)
If several isoglosses exhibit similar patterning (occurring close together, i.e. form an isogloss
bundle), they may be taken to represent a major dialect boundary.

lexical set pg. 50
A group of words whose vowels are uniformly pronounced within a given dialect.
It is used in linguistic study as a means of enabling comparisons of the vowels of different dialects
without having to use any particular dialect as a norm.

focussing pg. 65
This term describes a process in which the individual varieties of speakers become gradually more
similar to one another as the individuals gradually adjust their own speech patterns so that they
resemble the speech of the group as a whole. [It is the establishing of a new variety out of a wide
range of antecedent varieties.]

wave theory pg. 52
A model of language change involving the gradually spread of linguistic features from a particular
geographical point (a centre of prestige) across a wider area over time. [The spread will be strongest
nearest to the centre where the new form emerged
3. Social Dialectology

linguistic variable pg. 78
A linguistic variable is a feature that has two or more identifiable linguistic forms or realisations
(termed variant).
There is evidence of systematic co-variation of certain linguistic features (or sociolinguistic features)
with social variation and style variation. (The linguistic variable is taken to be the dependent variable
and social and stylistic factors as the independent variable.)

covert prestige pg. 89
Prestige refers to the positive evaluation of linguistic forms. Covert prestige refers to ways of
speaking which are highly valued within [typically lower- and working-class] smaller groups and
communities.
Covert prestige variants are usually markers of within-group solidarity.

Hypercorrection pg. 87
The overgeneralisation of linguistic forms which carry social prestige. Hypercorrection denotes the
use of a particular variant beyond the target set by the prestige model.
Hypercorrect reveals a degree of linguistic insecurity.

structured heterogeneity pg. 75
Systematic variation in language use which may be characterised and explained by patterns of social
differentiation within speech communities. Previously taken to be free variation before the rise of
the sociolinguistic approach.


4. Language Variation and Change

change in apparent time pg. 117
An approach to the study of language change that interprets generational differences in language use
as an indicator of a linguistic change in progress.

age grading pg. 117
A term used to refer to stable differences of language use between different age groups, i.e.
generational differences that are not indicative of linguistic change.

S-curve pg. 113 114
The graphing pattern that the temporal diffusion of new linguistic forms follows.

weak tie (social) pg. 114, 121 122
Irregularly used, non-reciprocal and non-intimate interpersonal relationships between individuals in a
social network. The strength of the social tie is measured in terms of the frequency of contact as well
as the number of capacities/relationships in which the individuals interact.
New linguistic forms are typically initially spread through weak ties, as strong ties are most often
associated with norm acceptance reinforcement.