Basic Terms Flashcards
Register
The relative formality of a text or piece of discourse
What does a high register mean?
Prestige e.g an interview
What does mid- register?
Colloquial, conversational
What does low register mean?
Taboo
Perforation
When a word becomes less acceptable
Amelioration
When a word becomes more acceptable
Etymology
The study of the origin of words
Lexis
All the words in a language
Semantics
The study of meaning
Syntax
Sentences
Accent
Distinctive system of pronunciation related to regionality, social class, culture, ethnicity
Dialect
System of grammatical conventions and lexis related to regionality, social class and culture
What is the dominant dialect?
Standard English
What is the dominant theory?
That men seek to dominate and women are subservient
What is the difference theory (3 examples)
The theory of how men and women are different
- Statues vs Support
- Advice vs Understanding
- Information vs feeling
- Orders vs proposals
- Conflict vs peace keeping
- Independence s intimacy
What are Grice’s three maxims?
Quality
Manner
Relevance
What does convergence mean?
The habit of modifying our speech depending on who we are talking to
What are 3 examples of convergence in conversation
- Changing from standard English to a dialect
- Modify accent
- Change register and lexical choices
What is upwards and downwards convergence?
One speaker becomes more formal/ less formal while the other person stays the same
What is mutual convergence
Both speakers adapt to each other
