STYLE Flashcards
1
Q
Observer’s paradox
A
- Labov, 1972
- presence of observer may influence the linguistic phenomena
- Example: faking to seem more professional for your teacher
2
Q
Linguistic variable
A
- dependent (changes when the social variable changes)
- linguistic realisations (variants) which correlate with speakers’ social status
3
Q
Social variable
A
- independent
- factor used to identify one group of speakers as different from another
- examples: class, region, ethnicity, age, gender, occupation
4
Q
Variants
A
- can have different distinct variants
Example: n’ or ng - can have zero-variant
Example: r or eh
5
Q
Overt and covert prestige of a variable
A
Overt: RP
Covert: dialect
- hidden preference for familiar and local patterns, even if the speaker consciously endorse standard forms
6
Q
Marker
A
- carries social information (g-dropping, ng)
7
Q
stereotype
A
- obvious assoociation with a particular group (australian: g´day mate)
8
Q
Martha’s Vineyard
A
- Labov, 1961
- how language changes over time, why certain dialects persist or evolve
- Vowel centralisation: younger or identified strongly with island life used more raised, centralised vowel sound more frequently
- Social identity: strong identification with the island adopted pronouns to emphasise local identity, resisting external influence
- Age and occupation effects: younger fishermen and more engaged in local community more likely to centralise vowels, showing preference for linguistic solidarity
9
Q
Interspeak vs intraspeak
A
Interspeak
- differences and variation measured between different speakers
Intraspeak
- differences in how one person speaks at different times
10
Q
Labov’s study
A
- New York, 1966
- five phonological variables: th, dh, r, a, o
- R more frequently in higher-class stores
- R frequently pronounces at the end of a word rather than in the middle in all classes
- Middle class: r more frequently in the second reply
11
Q
Audience Design Theory
A
- how speakers modify their language based on the listener(s)
