essay plans (1 and 5)

Question 1

evaluate the idea that technology is ruining the english language

Answer 1

technology encourages non-standard language use (erodes linguistic standards, less precise):
* john humphry: text messages as ‘pillaging our punctuation and raping our vocabulary’
* impact on english: diminishes linguistic clarity
language change is natural and tech. drives force:
* lang. always evolved due to tech. advancements: printing press (15th c), standardised spelling, telephone etc.
* jean aitchison lang. evolution rather than decay - facilitated lexical innovation
* halliday, linguistic economy: efficiency rather than laziness
* HOWEVER creates a communication gap
the rise of multimodal communication (expands expressive capability):
* emojis: adds pragmatic meaning, paralinguistic features, compensates for lack of tone and body language
* linguistic creativity: playfulness vs. destruction
* HOWEVER replaces traditional literacy skills? - young people still develop strong skills

Question 2

evaluate the idea that certain accents and dialects are unfairly discriminated against in society

Answer 2

historically associated with intelligence, professionalism and prestige (RP + SE)
SE and RP as prestige varieties:
* trudgill (2000): RP perceived intelligent and competent, although RP spoke by >3%
* social consequences: pressure to modify accent
* HOWEVER prestige is socially constructed not linguistic superiority
regional a+d’s face stigma:
* studies - regional accents less trustworthy + intelligent
* howard giles’ matched guise: RP more competent, regional friendly
* Cameron (verbal hygiene): society imposes linguistic norms
* HOWEVER covert prestige exists - many regional accents valued within their communities, media rep growing
changing attitudes and linguistic equality:
* BBC and ITV more regional accents to challenge linguistic bias
* Paul Kerswill, dialect levelling: regional accents evolving, dominating RP
* MLE widely accepted
* HOWEVER still persists in education + employment, more legal protections needed

Question 3

has technology ruined the english language?

Answer 3

• latest scapegoat
• john humphry: lazy, emoji filled mess
• language never been static, shakespeare criticised for inventing nonsensical words, printing press once controversial
• david crystal, expand rather than destroy, better literacy skills, constantly switch between formal + informal
• emojis: help to convey tone, emotion and nuance
• MLE: tech. connects communities and fosters linguistic diversity
• english is thriving, acts as a catalyst for lang. innovation, efficiency and creativity