Phonology Flashcards
Phonology
The study of the sounds of words and the different dialects and pronunciation used.
Accent
Language pronunciation variations- the sounds of language.
Dialect
Grammatical and lexical variations- word choice due to influences like region and individuals.
Idiolect
An individuals unique way of speaking and using language.
Sociolect
The language associated with a particular social group which might be said to have their own distinctive styles of language.
What can influence one’s sociolect?
The groups can be formed from factors like status, education, age, occupation, hobbies and gender.
Phonemes
Smallest unit of sound, the 26 letters in the alphabet that make up words.
Monosyllabic
One syllable words- simpler words.
Polysyllabic
When a word has multiple syllables-more complex words.
Phonetic spelling
When words are spelt as they are said to convey an accent.
Prosody
Non-word aspects of speech like tone, stress, italic, bold, sneezing or coughing in speech, laughter.
Assonance
When vowel sounds in the middle of two or more words are similar eg. kwick fit. This creates a comforting atmosphere.
Dissonance
When vowel sounds in the middle of two or more words clash. This creates a uncomfortable atmosphere and shock.
Rhyme
Associated with poetry, when two words have similar endings.
Convergence
Speakers linguistically move towards each other.
Divergence
Speakers linguistically move away from each other.
Mutual Convergence
Both speakers move towards each other linguistically as accents are toned down to meet middle ground. This shows mutual like between speakers.
Upwards Convergence
The less SE speaker becomes more SE (to seem more well educated, wealthy and to be respected more, fit in due to prejudice) while the other speaker does not change.
Downwards Convergence
The more SE speaker tones down their accent (to be more friendly are relatable) while the less SE (lower status) accent does not change.
Mutual Divergence
Both speakers move away from each other linguistically as accents become stronger. This shows mutual dislike between speakers.
Upward Divergence
The more SE accent strengthens their accent to put extra distance between them and the less SE speaker. Usually due to pride and to get more power over them through prestige and sociolect expectations in society.
Downward Divergence
The less SE accent strengthens their accent to put extra distance between them and the more SE speaker.
Why would a speaker make their accent stronger?
Regional pride, with their family/friends with same accent, stronger accent, prejudice and stereotypes of certain accents, dislike between two regions.
