1. L23B: Sociolinguistics 2005-2006
Please Turn off all cellular phones & pagers
L23B Website:
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2. Course Assessment Incourse Test (40% of total grade)
TEST DATE: MONDAY, APRIL 3, 2006 (2-4pm)
Final Exam
(60% of total grade)
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3. Topics for this Session
Review: Linguistic Variables
Extra-linguistic Variables
Data Collection & Analysis
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4. Labov distinguishes Linguistic Variable as:
Indicators - little or no social
significance attached
Markers/Socially diagnostic variables – carries social significance.
           
Stereotypes – popular and conscious characterization of the speech of a particular group.
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5. Causes of Variation Extra linguistic variables 3 main types:
Speaker variables
Group Variables
Situation Variables
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6. Speaker variables Characteristics of the individual, such as: Age
Gender
Ethnic origin
Social background
Regional origin
Level of education
Occupation
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7. Group variables Factors that are external to the speaker: Prestige
Stigma
Correctness
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8. Situation variables (DIATYPIC VARIATION) Context Environment Formality
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9. Dyatypic Variation Eg. A Politician
The linguistic variation might be seen in:
the manner of address
the use of colloquialisms, jargons
the selection of topic and examples
the level of detail presented
    
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10. Social Groups
Primary assignment based on: social class membership, sex, age, ethnicity, etc.
Secondary assignment:
– church membership
- leisure-time activities
- community involvement
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11. Can you quantify…
Sex?
Age?
Race?
Ethnicity?
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12. Social Class How do you determine someone’s class ranking?
How precise can you get?
Upper Working Class
Lower Middle Class
Middle Middle Class
Upper Middle Class
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13. Social class cont’d Problems determining class:
(a) Classifying someone based on statistics
(b) The designations used- eg. MMC?
(c) Are criteria applicable to all in the society?
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14. Social Class cont’d
How do you determine the social class ranking of children?
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15. Variation Studies - Micro
Process – identify:
linguistic variables
social variables
relationship between (1) & (2)
data collection method
sample to be used
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16. Data Collection Problem: Observer’s Paradox
investigation method may affect outcome.
injecting personal bias.
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17. Types of collection method:
Self–reported method: Questionnaires or Interviews (structured or open-ended)
Audio/Visual recording
Overt or covert Observation
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