1. Language variation What is it? Why do we learn about language variation?

3. Language variation -Spoken language -Written language

4. How many languages are there? Almost 7000 An example: Papua New Guinea + Nigeria + Cameroon = 1607 languages all together Scientists still discover new languages around the globe

5. Can languages change and develop? YES: in grammar in vocabulary HOW? Socially Geographically

6. Socially? How would you greet these people? Your best friend Your grandmother The Prime Minister The King of Norway

7. Geographically? Dialects Accents An example: American English vs. British English Do we have different ways of speaking Norwegian in Norway?

8. Written Norwegian? Bokmål Nynorsk Usually geographically determined

9. Accent vs. dialect Accent A distinct (social or regional) type of pronunciation. Dialect “A distinct (social or regional) variety in which grammar and vocabulary as well as pronunciation are different from those of other dialects”.

10. An example: Sarah is from Spain, but has lived in Trondheim, Norway for over ten years. She speaks Norwegian with a Spanish accent, and has a “trønder” dialect.

11. Spoken language EnglishGARP RP – Received Pronunciation GA – General American English

12. Some differences in pronunciation

13. Stress British English (RP) adult advertisement American English (GA) adult advertisement

14. “A” British English (RP) Bath chance after American English (GA) bath chance after

15. “R” British English (RP hard more perfect American English (GA) hard more perfect

16. “T” British English (RP) better bottom letter American English (GA) better bottom letter

17. One language – different pronunciation

18. British English - Received Pronunciation -Standard accent of English in Britain -Started in the 15 th century -First used by kings and queens -19 th century: public schools -Mid 20 th century: favored by the BBC

19. American English - General American English -17 th century: Colonization: The first British settlers in “new found land” -The German, the French, the Dutch, among others -Moving westwards -Immigration -Today: Multiculturalism

20. Today A small part of the English-speaking world speak RP today American English is more “accepted” in Britain today Multiple accents: immigration

21. Why learn about language varieties? Choose an accent Language is a part of everyone Dialects and accents can be fascinating Identity

22. Summary Topic of today: Language variation Both in spoken and written language Variation in grammar, vocabulary, and geographically and socially British English: RP (Received Pronounciation) American English: GA (General American English) Language as identity