LESSON 11-1

Language Variation: An Introduction

As you are probably aware, there is variation within any language. Within the same language, we have several, at times quite distinct, varieties. Those of you who are already teaching would agree with me that classrooms reflect a rich diversity of linguistic backgrounds. I am not just talking about different language backgrounds--which is challenging enough-- but also even within English, you have to deal with different varieties. We all face the challenging task of respecting linguistic diversity while promoting common standards, and teaching the so-called “standard dialect.”

Let us start with the term “dialect.” In linguistics, the term dialect refers to systematic variation in the speech of many speakers within language. What do we mean by that? Systematic simply means rule-governed, predictable behavior. That is, if I pronounced my interdental fricatives (as in thin and the) as stops (which I do in rapid speech BTW), this by itself would not constitute a dialectical difference. Yes, it is an instance of idiolect (my very own personal speech), but does not apply to others in my region, city, etc. If, however, the majority of people in Plymouth, MN, the suburban heaven where I live, started to do so systematically, then we might consider it a dialectical feature.

The term “standard dialect” covers several, interrelated notions and realities: standard dialect refers to the variety taught in schools, used by many in the media (at least by news anchors), covered in grammar books, and the version that you would speak in formal situations. It is the variety that is codified to some extent: there are grammar books, lexicons, and formal discussions of this variety, as well as (in many cases) a rich written tradition that uses this variety. It is the prestige dialect, for mostly non-linguistic reasons.

The term “nonstandard” then refers to all variations that are not considered the standard variety. Note that linguistically speaking, there is absolutely nothing superior about the variety chosen as the standard, and nothing inferior or illogical about those called non-standard. All systematic varieties, regardless of their status within society, are equal as far as linguistics is concerned. They all have their own rules, which are worthy of investigation.

It is important to note that dialects within the same language are not always mutually intelligible—the ability of speakers from one variety to understand speakers from another. In the past we used to require that of dialects; then, it became clear that mutual intelligibility is not always sufficient or necessary to differentiate between language and dialect. For example, Swedish and Norwegian are two distinct languages that are mutually intelligible. Similarly, there are dialects of Chinese that are not mutually intelligible. They are still dialects, based on historical and political facts/considerations.

Also, notice that by dialect we are referring to more than accent here—in linguistics, accent refers to phonological/phonetic variation only. In dialectical variation, we find systematic differences at all levels of linguistic structure: at phonetic level, phonological level, morphological level, syntactic level, and semantic level. See File 10.2 in your textbook for representative examples.

_____________________________________________________________________________________________________________Dialects can be geographical/regional or social. Let us look at geographical ones first, by moving on to 11-2.