Language Variants: Diatopic, Diastratic, and Functional
Language Variants: Diatopic and Diastratic
Diatopic variants, often called dialects or geographic variants, depend on the geographic distribution of language. There are two main types: local dialects and regional speech.
Diastratic variants are determined by the distribution of speakers across different social groups.
Language vs. Dialect
Language is a psychic reality, a social sign system present in the minds of speakers, regardless of temporary, geographic, or social factors. Any historical or diasystem language includes variants or functional languages. Each variant differs in its phonological, lexical, and grammatical peculiarities.
- Spatial/Geographic variation: Geolects
- Social level variation: Sociolects
Language as Diasystem
The boundaries between languages are defined by their communication ability. Within a single language are functional language variants. Differences arise from time, space, and the social structure of their users. Considering Spanish as a diasystem includes Spanish spoken centuries ago, across all countries and social levels. Functional languages, as per Coseriu, serve various codes in communication.
Language as Activity
Language activities or skills enable us to develop linguistic abilities:
- Speaking
- Understanding spoken language
- Reading
- Writing
- Thinking
Thinking, though a hidden activity, is frequent. We use language to communicate with others and ourselves.
Language as a Product
Language as a product is what we create with language, building oral and written texts. Oral texts are ephemeral, while written texts endure, gaining higher societal value and becoming part of human cultural heritage.
Language and Technical Knowledge
We possess language; it’s ingrained in our minds.
Knowing idiomatic language requires:
- Knowledge of the language code at phonological, lexical, and grammatical levels.
- Understanding general and specific rules, respecting standard usage.
Knowing discursive language:
Speech technique includes knowledge of discourse organization. A skilled user expresses thoughts clearly, consistently, without contradictions, and avoids assumptions.
Knowing expressive/interpellative language:
Language conveys information and emotion, inspires action, and persuades. One must control language in context to ensure messages reach their intended audience.