Variation by Age Flashcards
How is age measured for research purposes?
In units and life stages
age differences reflect different life experiences
How is age related to language?
Linguistic behaviour of different age groups represents different ages of evolution in the language itself
Differences in lig usages between different age groups are taken as indicators of ling change
How may language vary by age?
existing words may acquire new meaning
choice of lexical expressions
What are the 3 ages?
Adolescent, Young Adult and Old Age
Explain language in adolescents
Exaggerated use of the vernacular to distance themselves from adults
reject adult’s authority
show solidarity between peers
Explain language in young adults
Engaged in the job market, more pressure to use standard forms
adjust language to meet job demands to succeed
Explain language in old age
past active engagement in job market
eases the pressure to conform to institutional norms
What is the adolescent peak?
pre-adolescents use less non-standard forms than adolescents
How does age vary across cultures?
divisions of age may be culture specific
What is age grading?
The possibility that speakers may change their linguistic behaviour as they age
BUT differences could be temp alterations that are not transmitted to the next gen
Give an example of age grading
quotative go -> be like
