Скачать или смотреть Language Variation & Change in Sociolinguistics

Language variation refers to the differences in how people use language based on factors such as region, social class, ethnicity, age, gender, and context. Language change is the process through which languages evolve over time, resulting in shifts in vocabulary, grammar, pronunciation, and other linguistic features.

In sociolinguistics, both variation and change are studied to understand how language reflects and shapes social identities and how social factors influence linguistic practices. These processes can be observed in several areas of language, including vocabulary, syntax (sentence structure), and pronunciation.

1. Vocabulary Variation and Change
Vocabulary varies across different social groups and regions, and it can also change over time as new words are introduced or old ones fall out of use. Social factors, such as class or age, can influence word choice.

Examples:

Regional Variation: In American English, people in the North may use the word "soda" for a carbonated drink, while in the South, it's called "pop."
Age-related Change: Younger speakers might use newer slang terms like "lit" (meaning exciting or excellent), while older generations may not be familiar with the term.
Technological Influence: Words like "google" (to search online) and "hashtag" have emerged due to technological developments.
2. Syntactic Variation and Change
Syntax refers to the structure of sentences. Language variation in syntax can be influenced by social class, education level, or regional factors. Over time, syntactic changes can emerge, leading to new patterns in sentence formation.

Examples:

Regional Variation: In African American Vernacular English (AAVE), the double negative structure is common (e.g., "I don't know nothing"), which is not typically used in Standard English.
Change in Word Order: In some dialects of English, the use of "ain't" as a contraction of "am not," "isn't," or "haven't" has become more widespread, showing syntactic variation in negation.
Shift in Usage: The loss of "whom" in modern English, where "who" is now used in both subject and object contexts (e.g., "Who did you see?" instead of "Whom did you see?").
3. Pronunciation Variation and Change
Pronunciation (or phonology) is one of the most noticeable aspects of language variation. Accent and pronunciation differences can mark regional identity or social group membership. Pronunciation also evolves over time, reflecting broader social trends.

Examples:

Regional Variation: In the United Kingdom, people in the South might pronounce the word "dance" with a broad 'a' sound (like "daance"), while in the North, it's pronounced with a short 'a' (like "dans").
Social Class Influence: In some dialects of English, a "non-rhotic" accent (where the "r" sound is not pronounced at the end of words, such as in "car") is associated with higher social classes, particularly in British English.
Pronunciation Change: The Great Vowel Shift, which occurred between the 14th and 18th centuries, is a historical example of a major pronunciation change in English, affecting the pronunciation of vowels in words like "bite" and "meet."
Conclusion
Language variation and change are dynamic processes that reflect the diverse social contexts in which language is used. Sociolinguistics explores how social factors shape the way language varies and evolves, examining vocabulary, syntax, and pronunciation as key areas where these changes occur.