LL1 - Semantics - Language Variation Flashcards
Dialect
The variation in language which is associated with a specific geographical location - in Newcastle, a baby is a “Bairn”
Sociolect
Variation in language use associated with membership of a particular social group - Football fans
Idiolect
Variation in language use which is specific to a particular person - saying ‘by accidentally’ rather than ‘by accident’
Formal Lexis
Language which is more impersonal, uses standard English rather than contractions, and is more likely to comprise of polysyllabic words - enclosed is your statement which include the aforementioned discrepancy.
Jargon
Special words or expressions used by a profession or a group that are difficult for others to understand - “legalese”
Subject- specific Lexis
Words that are specific to a certain subject - the terms could be used with different meanings in different contexts - “puck - in ice hockey = rubber disk; in English = fairy”
Informal Lexus
Language which is more relaxed, familiar and conversational- uses colloquial/ non-standard English (slang, abbreviations, dialect words) and is more likely to comprise of monosyllabic words
Expletive
The formal term for swear words - “shit”
Taboo
Words and phrases which are generally considered inappropriate for certain situations (expletives are a form of taboo language) - swearing
Slang
A constantly changing type of language which is very informal and is more commonly seen in speech - “bromance, throw shade”
Contraction
A word which is formed by shortening and combining two words with the use of an apostrophe (informal) - “could’ve, didn’t”
Colloquialism/colloquial language
Informal language which often includes slang - “ain’t”
Register
A variety of language that is associated with a particular situation of use
Situation of use
A specific place, time and context in which communication takes place
Frozen register
Language that never changes - “wedding vows”
Formal register
Standard English - speeches, letters
Proffesional/ consultative register
Less formal standard English which doesn’t always completely conform to standard English rules - employer to employee
Casual / informal / conversational register
Language between friends - vernacular (the language or dialect spoken by the ordinary people in a particular country or region) speech
Intimate/ personal register
Language between lovers or other close family and friends - “pet names, inside jokes”
Vulgar slang register
Informs language that may cause offence - expletives
Academic register
Language which is more academic - it is normally semi-formal - school lessons
Informative registers
Language which conveys meanings/information - brochures
Transactional register
Language which supports transactional interactions in which one person provides a service or good - buying/selling
