Language and Social Groups Flashcards
Convergence
In language study, changing one’s language in order to move towards that of another individual.
Divergence
In language study, changing one’s language in order to move away from that of another individual.
Macro Level
Operating on a large scale.
Micro Level
Operating on a small scale.
Post-Vocalic /r/
Pronouncing an /r/ after a vowel where there is an R in the spelling. For example, ‘farm’, ‘sir’, ‘horse’.
Density
In studies of social networks, density refers to the number of connections that people have.
Multiplexity
In studies of social networks, multiplexity refers to the number of ways in which two individuals might relate to each other, for example, as friends, workmates and family members.
Social Network
A network of relations between people in their membership of different groups.
Case Study
An in-depth study of a single context that can be used to offer insights for further studies or other cases.
Informant.
Someone who offers information to a researcher.
Dialect
A style of language used within a particular geographical region.
Ethnolect
A style of language thought to be characteristic of a particular ethnic group.
Familect
A style of language used within the family.
Genderlect
A style of language thought to be distinctive of either men or women.
Social Practices
The ways in which people in groups habitually behave.
