Dialect Flashcards
Define a dialect
subordinate variety of a language, historically related to a superordinate language
- may differ on 3 levels: syntax, lexicon and phonology
- bounded socially or regionally
Define an accent
subordinate variety of a language that differs primarily in phonology
Define a variety
any linguistic system with a cohesive distribution in space
What does a dialectologist do?
located and describes regional and social varieties of speech
compares and analyses dialects, mapping them
explain patterns found and factors conditioning them in synchronic and diachronic terms
What are dialects, typically?
regional, social and/or ethnic
What controls a dialect?
clear systematic rules operating on multiple ling levels
when do regional dialects occur?
when ling features are unevenly distributed across pace
What is the topic of dialect geography?
regional dialects, usually they are related to historical changes
What is urban dialectology?
dialect geography based on group membership
What is the uniformitarian principle?
ling forces operating todat are the same that have been operating across the ages
How does the physical environment influence language?
geographical features (mountains, rivers) create natural barriers changes spread across distance, over time -affected by terrain and modes of travel (linguistic diffusion)
How do language changes spread?
- changes begin somewhere - actuation
- transition
- changes spread - diffusion
Explain the wave model
ling innovations may affect places near the centre of diffusion before spreading
How do social factors influence language?
social and political borders
change only happens through interaction
Explain the gravity model
ling changes may spread slower in rural areas and faster in urban
-metropolis->metropolis, country->country
