Chapter 5

Question 1

Diachronic linguistics/ historical linguistics

Answer 1

Study of how languages change over time.

Question 2

Free variation

Answer 2

Variation in pronunciation which does not change the meaning of a word (random or meaningless variation of no significance such as often and somebody).

Question 3

Language family

Answer 3

Group of related languages that share linguistic kinship as a result of having developed from a common ancestor.

Question 4

Family tree account of language change

Answer 4

A conception of language development as
being similar to human genealogy, with a mother language and the languages which
develop from it being considered sisters.

Question 5

Variationist sociolinguistics

Answer 5

A linguistic approach in which the frequency of linguistic features is correlated with social factors.

Question 6

Linguistic variable

Answer 6

A linguistic feature which has identifiable variants (e.g. the present continuous tense marker with variants –ing and –in).

Question 7

Variant

Answer 7

The different realizations of the linguistic variable (e.g. –ing or –in as in running and runnin’).

Question 8

Indicators

Answer 8

Linguistic features of a particular variety which are not salient to speakers of that language but can be studied through systematic observation.

Question 9

Markers

Answer 9

Linguistic features that carry social meaning which is apparent to speakers.

Question 10

Labovian stereotypes

Answer 10

Linguistic features which are consciously and commonly associated with a particular social group; may not actually be part of the ways of speaking of members of that group.

Question 11

Social class

Answer 11

Hierarchical categories based on social and economic factors.

Question 12

Sharp stratification

Answer 12

Clear-cut differences between two groups in the use of linguistic features, usually associated with grammatical features

Question 13

Fine (or gradient) stratification

Answer 13

When the linguistic distinctions between groups is a step-like progression; usually assumed to be typical of phonological variation.

Question 14

Sampling methods

Answer 14

The process of determining how research participants will be selected.

Question 15

Sample

Answer 15

Group of research participants for a study.

Question 16

Random sample

Answer 16

A sample in which everyone in a population has an equal chance of being selected.

Question 17

Correlational studies

in sociolinguistics

Answer 17

Investigate a relationship between social variables and linguistic variables.

Question 18

Dependent variable
(in sociolinguistics)

Answer 18

A linguistic variable assumed to fluctuate with changes in the social factors being studied.

Question 19

Independent variable
(in sociolinguistics)

Answer 19

Social variables thought to correlate with particular linguistic variables.

Question 20

Validity

Answer 20

The extent to which the data collected address the research question appropriately.

Question 21

Reliability

Answer 21

The extent to which the means of assessment of the variables produce stable and consistent results.

Question 22

Real-time studies

Answer 22

Long-term studies of a community conducted at different times, which can show the progress of language change.

Question 23

Apparent-time studies

Answer 23

A single study is done and the different responses of various age groups are compared and then conclusions are drawn about language changes.

Question 24

Informants

Answer 24

Speakers of a language or dialect who provide linguists with data about their variety.

Question 25

Observer’s paradox

Answer 25

The double-bind that researchers find themselves in when what they are interested in knowing is how people behave when they are not being observed, but the only way to find out how they behave is to observe them.