Chapter2

Question 1

Variety

Answer 1

A neutral term for any particular kind of language or dialect which linguists wish to consider as a single entity, for example Standard Dutch or “baby talk”.

Question 2

Language

Answer 2

The superordinate category of a variety which includes dialects, one of which is the standard.

Question 3

Dialect

Answer 3

Each language exists in a number of varieties, and each different way that the language is spoken is known as a _________.
It is a variety that’s grammatically, lexically, and phonologically different from other varieties. For example, Haags, Amsterdams, Rotterdams, and Standard Dutch are each a __________ of Dutch.

Question 4

Accent

Answer 4

The way a speaker pronounces things; often part of the defining feature of a dialect, but may be separated from it.

Question 5

Mutual intelligibility

Answer 5

There is __________________ between languages or dialects if speakers of the respective languages or dialects can understand each other when speaking

Question 6

Vernacular

Answer 6

The relaxed, spoken style in which the least conscious attention is being paid to speech. It is used in everyday ordinary social interactions. The term is also used to refer to informal (or non-standard) speech oriented toward a local community.

Question 7

Dialect continuum

Answer 7

A range of language varieties that differ from each other, but are linked by degrees of mutual intelligibility.

Question 8

Isogloss

Answer 8

A line on a map indicating a boundary between the use and non-use of a particular linguistic feature (e.g. word, sound).

Question 9

Dialect boundary

Answer 9

A set of isoglosses that cluster together and serve to set apart dialect areas on a map.

Question 10

Speech community

Answer 10

A group of people who share linguistic norms.

Question 11

Regional dialect

Answer 11

A variety defined primarily on the basis of region of origin of its speakers.

Question 12

Social dialect or sociolect

Answer 12

A variety defined on the basis of a social grouping, such as social class, ethnicity, or religion.

Question 13

Ethnic dialect or ethnolect

Answer 13

A variety which is strongly associated with a particular ethnic group.

Question 14

Standardization

Answer 14

The process of codifying (organizing and developing rules and norms) a variety of a language and putting it to wider use. This process usually involves the development of grammars, spelling books, and dictionaries, etc.

Question 15

Standard language ideology

Answer 15

The belief that there is one dialect of a language that is superior to others and that this is the only correct or legitimate form of the language.

Question 16

Style

Answer 16

The level of formality in the way of speaking.

Question 17

Register

Answer 17

A way of speaking which is associated with a particular occupation or activity group; varieties associated with particular situations of use (e.g. legalese, babytalk).

Question 18

Genre

Answer 18

A variety of a language which evokes a particular speech event or function; tends to be ritualized and formulaic.