sociolinguistics Flashcards
What is sociolinguistics?
The study of how language varies and changes in social groups.
True or False: Sociolinguistics only studies spoken language.
False
Fill in the blank: The variation of language based on region is known as __________.
dialect
What does the term ‘code-switching’ refer to?
The practice of alternating between two or more languages or dialects in conversation.
Which sociolinguistic factor influences language use according to age?
Age grading
What is the difference between ‘pidgin’ and ‘creole’ languages?
‘Pidgin’ is a simplified language that develops for communication between speakers of different languages, while ‘creole’ is a stable, fully developed language that evolves from pidgin.
True or False: Social class has no impact on language use.
False
What is ‘sociolinguistic competence’?
The ability to use language appropriately in different social contexts.
Multiple Choice: Which of the following is NOT a focus of sociolinguistics? A) Language and gender B) Language and politics C) Language and mathematics
C) Language and mathematics
What is a ‘sociolect’?
A variety of language used by a particular social class or group.
Fill in the blank: The study of language and its relationship to social factors such as class, race, and gender is known as __________.
sociolinguistics
True or False: Dialects can have their own grammar and vocabulary.
True
What is ‘linguistic relativity’?
The hypothesis that the structure of a language affects its speakers’ worldview or cognition.
Multiple Choice: Which term describes a language that is unique to a specific community? A) Standard language B) Vernacular C) Dialect
B) Vernacular
What is ‘register’ in sociolinguistics?
A variety of language used in a specific context or for a particular purpose.
Fill in the blank: The phenomenon where a language loses its functions and becomes less used is known as __________.
language shift
True or False: All languages are equally complex.
True
What is ‘diglossia’?
A situation in which two dialects or languages are used by a single language community in different social contexts.
What is the role of ‘context’ in sociolinguistics?
Context influences how language is used and interpreted in social interactions.
Multiple Choice: Which of the following is a factor that influences language variation? A) Geography B) Time C) All of the above
C) All of the above
What does ‘ethnolinguistics’ study?
The relationship between language and culture, particularly how language reflects cultural identity.
Fill in the blank: The use of language to convey social identity is known as __________.
identity construction
True or False: Language can change over time due to social factors.
True
What is ‘language ideology’?
Beliefs and conceptions about language and its use that shape social attitudes and practices.
