Sociolinguistics B

Question 1

B: style-shifting is not like changing your clothes: points

Answer 1

Intro 3
Multifaceted phenomenon 4
Not surface level modification 2
Conclusion

Question 2

B: style-shifting is not like changing your clothes: claim intro 3

Answer 2

• style-shifting = individual adjusting their speech style to accommodate social situations and interactions
• process of altering style ≠ simple or deliberate as changing clothes
• SS involved a more nuanced & subconscious adaption of lang patterns in response to various situational factors

Question 3

B: style-shifting is not like changing your clothes: multifaceted phenomenon 4

Answer 3

• ingrained in social and cultural context of communication
• clothes = conscious decision on personal preference & social norms
• SS = instinctive & reflexive as individuals navigate various social situations and interact with various interlocutors
• e.g. young individual code shifts to language more appropriate with parents than to their peer group

Question 4

B: style-shifting is not like changing your clothes: not a surface level modification 2

Answer 4

• reflects deeper sociolinguistic dynamics in communities
• Labov: link SS to social identity and linguistic variation; eliciting repetition of responses = speakers style-shifting into more careful style + increased frequency of PV /r/

Question 5

B: style-shifting is not like changing your clothes: conclusion

Answer 5

• claim underscores the intricate & nuanced nature of ling variation and adaption