Linguistic Variations

Linguistic Variations

1. The language we use in everyday living is remarkably varied

   • this undermines the attempt to prove that the language is a homogeneous entity

2. No one speaks the same way all the time

   • There is a definite variation in the speech of any individual, but there are also definite limits to that variation: no individual is free to do exactly what he pleases with regard to language

3. VARIATION:

   • A recognition of variation implies that we must recognize that a language is not just some kind of abstract object of study. It is also something that people use.

4. What do linguists say?

   • Following the example of Chomsky, many linguists have argued that we should not study a language in use, or even how the language is learned, without first acquiring an adequate knowledge of what the language itself is

5. Identity

   • What affects our identity?
     • any of the many factors may have affected you: race, ethnicity, gender, religion, occupation, physical location, social class, kinship, leisure activities, etc. Identity is created by dealing with such factors and by dealing with members of groups whose factors are their identifying characteristics

6. Language

   • language is a profound indicator of identity, much more potent than cultural artifacts such as clothing, food options and table