Unit 1 (Session 2) Introduction to sociolinguistics.pptx

This is the second part of the introduction to sociolinguistics. the slides elaborate how the social world affect language

1. Session 2: Major Research Areas in Sociolinguistics 1. Language and social communication ------ language & contact ------ language & social class ------ language & geography ------ language & context ------ language varieties & social communication 2. Language, ethnicity and culture ------ language & ethnicity ------ language & culture 3. Language and Social justice ------ language policies and planing ------ endangered language ------ language equality and social justice: language ecology, language rights, the spread of dominant language

2. Language and Contact What is Language Contact? Definition: Language contact occurs when speakers of different languages or dialects interact with each other, leading to linguistic influences, changes, and the development of new linguistic forms. Key Features of Language Contact: --- Interaction between speakers from different linguistic communities. --- Exchange of words, phrases, grammatical structures, or sounds. --- Can occur through (slave) migration, colonization, trade, or cultural exchange.

3. Language and Contact Language Contact and Linguistic Change Lexical Borrowing: One of the most common outcomes of language contact is borrowing of words and expressions. Example: The word "caf é " is borrowed from French into English, coffee, sofa, bacon, blog, brandy, bungee jumping, cartoon, Champagne, chocolate, cigar, Coca-Cola, curry, golf guitar, hacker, lemon, bass, bus, etc. Pidgin English, Creole

4. Language and Contact Language Contact and Pidgins What is a Pidgin?: A simplified form of a language that develops when speakers of different languages need to communicate but do not share a common language. Characteristics: Limited vocabulary, simplified grammar, no native speakers. Example: Hawaiian Pidgin, which evolved as a simplified form of English mixed with Hawaiian, Chinese, Japanese, Portuguese, and other languages, used historically on

5. Language and Contact Language Contact and Creoles What is a Creole? A fully developed natural language that evolves from a pidgin when it becomes nativized by a community of speakers. Characteristics: More complex grammar and vocabulary compared to pidgins. Example: Singlish, which developed from English mixed with Chinese and Malay, is a creole spoken by many singaporeans as a first language. English: Are you sure they sell coffee? Singlish: They got sell kopi meh? English: The coffee is out of stock. Singlish: The kopi boh liao lor . English: I’m sure the coffee will taste alright! Singlish: The kopi here okay one lah!

6. Language and Contact Bilingualism and Multilingualism What is Bilingualism?: The ability to speak and understand two languages fluently. What is Multilingualism?: The ability to speak and understand more than two languages fluently. Impacts of Bilingualism and Multilingualism: Bilinguals and multilinguals often engage in code-switching , combining elements from different languages in speech. This can influence vocabulary, pronunciation, and even syntax. Example: In Singapore, speakers of Mandarin, Malay, and Tamil often switch between languages depending on the context, resulting in the development of Singlish.

7. Language and Contact Language Contact and Social Issues Power and Prestige: Languages in contact often reflect power imbalances, with certain languages gaining more prestige or importance. Example: The dominance of English in international business and science often leads to the marginalization of other languages in academic and professional settings. Example: Language discrimination in workplaces, where speakers of non-dominant languages or dialects face bias or exclusion. (Example: use of English in Australia)

8. Language and Contact Challenges of Language Contact Language Shift: In regions with extensive language contact, one language may become dominant, leading to the decline or extinction of minority languages. (Example: some minorities in China) Language Death: Language death can occur when a language is no longer spoken by future generations due to social pressure to speak a dominant language. (Example: the distinction of Hebrew)

9. Language and Contact Language Contact and Globalization The Role of Globalization: Globalization has led to increased contact between languages through trade, travel, media, and technology. English has become a global lingua franca, influencing languages around the world. Example: The increasing use of English words in non-English speaking countries, especially in business and technology, has led to linguistic changes in many languages.

10. language & S ocial Class What is social class? Definition: Social class refers to the hierarchical divisions in society based on factors like income, education, occupation, and wealth. Class Divisions: ------ Upper Class: Often associated with wealth, high education, - and power. ------ Middle Class: Includes professional and educated workers. ------ Working Class: Often linked to manual labor or service jobs. ------ Lower Class: Individuals or groups with fewer economic resources.

11. language & S ocial Class How Does Social Class Affect Language? Language as a Social Marker: People from different social classes often speak in distinct ways, with variations in accent, vocabulary, syntax, and pronunciation. Speech as an Indicator: Language can signal one's social position, educational background, and regional identity.

12. language & S ocial Class How Does Social Class Affect Language? Language as a Social Marker: People from different social classes often speak in distinct ways, with variations in accent, vocabulary, syntax, and pronunciation. Speech as an Indicator: Language can signal one's social position, educational background, and regional identity.

13. language & S ocial Class How Does Social Class Affect Language? Example: Language and Social Class in the UK Received Pronunciation (RP): Often considered the "prestige" accent in the UK, associated with the upper class and public schools. RP speakers are often perceived as more educated, cultured, and authoritative. Working-Class Accents: Accents like Cockney (East London) is often associated with the working class. This accent can be stereotyped as less prestigious or less educated, despite their rich cultural histories.

14. language & S ocial Class How Does Social Class Affect Language? Example: Standard American English (SAE) & African American Vernacular English (AAVE) SAE: ’He is strong, he will be the champion later.’ AAVE: ‘’He strong, he be the champion later.’’. AAVE can be considered as a dialect; however, it is stimatized as Broken Slang English and a vernacular. The speakers of AAVE is associated with ‘lazy’ and from a different socioeconomic class. The speakers of AAVE are frequently associated with a lack of a formal education and a lack of socioeconomic advancement. The speakers of the AAVE dialect are socially stratified solely based on their dialect, even by African Americans themselves. The usage of features of AAVE can for example negatively influence an African American’s employability.

15. language & S ocial Class Example of Social Class and Language: Singlish vs. Standard English: Singlish, a colloquial form of English mixed with Malay, Mandarin, Tamil, and local slang, is often associated with working-class Singaporeans, especially in more informal contexts. It is the language of the street and casual communication. Although Singlish is a marker of local identity and cultural pride, it is sometimes stigmatized as a "lesser" form of communication, especially in professional settings. It can reflect lower social status in comparison to more standardized forms of English. Example: In Singapore, a working-class individual may speak Singlish at home or with peers but would likely switch to Standard English in a job interview or a formal meeting to align with the expectations of the upper-middle class and business world.

16. L anguage & Region Example of Social Class and Language: Singlish vs. Standard English: Regional Variation in Language Regional variation refers to differences in language usage based on geographic location, including pronunciation (accent), vocabulary, grammar, and even language choices. These variations reflect local histories, cultures, and social norms. Types of Regional Variation: Accents: Differences in pronunciation based on region. Dialects: Differences in grammar, vocabulary, and syntax. Idiolects: Individual speech patterns shaped by regional influences.

17. language & Region Example ： Regional vocabularies 嬢嬢 ---- 是对父辈女性的称呼； 幺儿（女） ---- 是对子女的爱称。 摆龙门阵 ---- 是指漫无边际的闲谈； 冲壳子 ---- 是指吹牛皮，说大话； 算坛子 ---- 是指开玩笑； 杀割 ---- 是指结束或没有了，用完了； 弄归一 ---- 是指把事做彻底； 弄巴实 ---- 是指做好； 莫来头 ---- 是指没关系；

18. Language and Ethnicity What is Ethnicity? Definition: Ethnicity refers to a group of people who share common cultural traits such as language, religion, traditions, and sometimes physical characteristics. Key Components of Ethnicity: Cultural Heritage: Shared customs, food, clothing, and religious practices. Language: A core aspect of ethnic identity, used to transmit culture. Shared History: Common ancestral background and collective experiences.

19. Language and Ethnicity Language and Ethnic Identity: Language plays a central role in defining and maintaining ethnic identity. For many ethnic groups, language is a symbol of belonging and cultural continuity. Speaking a specific ethnic language connects individuals to their heritage, community, and traditions.

20. Language and Ethnicity Language and Ethnicity in Multilingual Societies Case Study: India: India is a highly multilingual society, where language is a strong marker of ethnic and regional identity. Hindi, Bengali, Tamil, Punjabi, and many other languages correspond to specific ethnic and regional groups. Language plays a central role in shaping ethnic boundaries and social relationships within and between different groups.

21. Language and Ethnicity Language and Ethnicity in Multilingual Societies Case Study: India: India is a highly multilingual society, where language is a strong marker of ethnic and regional identity. Hindi, Bengali, Tamil, Punjabi, and many other languages correspond to specific ethnic and regional groups. Language plays a central role in shaping ethnic boundaries and social relationships within and between different groups.

22. Language and Ethnicity Language Revitalization Efforts: Many ethnic groups engage in language revitalization efforts to preserve their ethnic identity in the face of globalization and language assimilation. Example: Maori in New Zealand: The Maori language was historically marginalized, but there has been a resurgence in efforts to teach the language to younger generations, linking language with ethnic pride and cultural preservation.

23. Language and Culture What is Culture? Definition: Culture refers to the shared values, beliefs, customs, behaviors, and artifacts that a group of people use to interact with the world around them. Key Components of Culture: Language: The system of communication that reflects cultural values. Beliefs and Religion: The principles and worldviews that guide behavior. Traditions and Customs: Social practices, festivals, and rituals. Food, Clothing, and Art: Expressions of culture through material objects.

24. Language and Culture Language as a Reflection of Culture Language and Worldview: The language a group speaks often reflects the way they view and interact with the world. Linguistic Relativity (Sapir-Whorf Hypothesis): The idea that language shapes how people think and perceive reality. Example: In some indigenous cultures, there are multiple words for snow or water, reflecting the cultural importance of these elements to their way of life.

25. Language and Culture Cultural Identity Through Language: Language is a key marker of cultural identity, providing a sense of belonging to a particular community or group. Language Preservation: When a language is endangered or lost, so too can the associated culture, traditions, and values. Example: The Maori language in New Zealand is deeply tied to Maori cultural identity. Efforts to revitalize the language are seen as essential for preserving Maori traditions, ceremonies, and worldview.

26. Language and Culture Language as a Vehicle for Cultural Expression Literature, poetry, music, and art often express cultural values and experiences, and language is the medium through which these forms of expression are communicated. Cultural Stories and Folklore: Oral traditions are preserved and passed down through storytelling in native languages. Example: The Epic of Gilgamesh, an ancient Mesopotamian poem, reflects the cultural values of Sumerian society, such as the role of kingship, the quest for immortality, and human mortality.

27. Language and Culture Language and Cultural Diversity Multilingualism and Cultural Diversity: In multilingual societies, different languages reflect diverse cultural traditions, identities, and practices. Language as a Barrier or Bridge: Language can either divide people or bring them together based on cultural understanding. Example: In India, there are hundreds of languages spoken, each reflecting the diverse ethnic and cultural groups. Hindi, Bengali, Tamil, and others are spoken in different regions, each carrying unique cultural values.

28. Language and Culture Language and Cultural Diversity Multilingualism and Cultural Diversity: In multilingual societies, different languages reflect diverse cultural traditions, identities, and practices. Language as a Barrier or Bridge: Language can either divide people or bring them together based on cultural understanding. Example: In India, there are hundreds of languages spoken, each reflecting the diverse ethnic and cultural groups. Hindi, Bengali, Tamil, and others are spoken in different regions, each carrying unique cultural values.

29. Language and Social Justice Language and Social Justice explores how language policies, language rights, and language use impact social equity. It emphasizes the need for linguistic diversity to be respected and for marginalized linguistic communities to have equal rights. Key Issues: Language rights: The right to speak one’s native language. Language equality: Equal access to opportunities regardless of linguistic background. 3. Language preservation: The protection of endangered languages.

30. Language and Social Justice The Right to Use Language Linguistic Human Rights: The right to use one's language is a fundamental human right recognized by international law (e.g., the Universal Declaration of Linguistic Rights). Why is it Important?: Cultural Identity: Language is a key marker of ethnic and cultural identity. Social Participation: Language is critical for accessing education, employment, politics, and media. Personal Dignity: The ability to speak your own language allows individuals to express themselves freely.

31. Language and Social Justice The Right to Use Language Linguistic Human Rights: The right to use one's language is a fundamental human right recognized by international law (e.g., the Universal Declaration of Linguistic Rights). Why is it Important?: Cultural Identity: Language is a key marker of ethnic and cultural identity. Social Participation: Language is critical for accessing education, employment, politics, and media. Personal Dignity: The ability to speak your own language allows individuals to express themselves freely.

32. Language and Social Justice Dominant Languages and Power Dominant Languages: These are languages that have widespread use and social power, often in politics, education, media, and economy. Impact of Dominant Languages: Social Exclusion: Speakers of minority or indigenous languages may be excluded from economic, political, and social opportunities. Cultural Erasure: Dominant languages may overshadow or even displace local languages and cultural practices. Example: In Malaysia

33. Language and Social Justice Language Discrimination and Inequality Linguistic Discrimination: When people are judged, marginalized, or denied opportunities based on their accent, dialect, or native language. Forms of Linguistic Inequality: Accent bias: People with non-standard accents may be perceived as less intelligent or competent. Dialect prejudice: Speakers of regional dialects may face stereotypes or discrimination. Language inaccessibility: Non-native speakers of a dominant language may not have access to healthcare, education, or justice. Example: In the United States, people speaking African American Vernacular English (AAVE) may face stigmatization, despite its rich linguistic history and cultural significance.

34. Language and Social Justice Endangered Languages and Social Justice Endangered Languages: Languages that are at risk of becoming extinct due to a decline in speakers and the dominance of larger languages. Global Crisis: Over 40% of the world’s languages are at risk of disappearing, with some languages having only a few speakers left. Why is Language Endangerment a Social Justice Issue? Cultural Loss: The loss of a language is the loss of a unique worldview, traditions, and knowledge passed down through generations. Social Exclusion: Speakers of endangered languages are often marginalized in a society dominated by a larger language. Example: Welsh in the UK has faced a decline in speakers, but recent efforts to revitalize the language through education and media reflect its importance to Welsh cultural identity.

35. Language and Social Justice The Role of Social Justice: Equal access to education and services in minority languages. Preservation efforts to protect endangered languages and promote their revitalization. Support for multilingualism: Encouraging the use of both dominant and minority languages in public life. Language Rights and Policy for Social Justice Bilingual education: Ensures that children have access to education in both their native and dominant languages. Official language status: Languages spoken by minority groups may be granted official status to ensure equal access in government services, media, and education. Cultural Recognition: Governments and institutions can play a role in recognizing and promoting minority languages as part of the broader cultural fabric. Example: The European Union supports the use of regional and minority languages in member countries, providing translations, education, and media access to ensure linguistic rights are respected.