Language Varieties and Forms of Utterance: A Comprehensive Guide
1. Language Varieties
1.1. Types of Language Varieties
Language has many variations in implementation. These varieties can occur for several reasons:
- Diastratic Varieties: Due to social and cultural circumstances.
- Diaphasic Varieties: Due to the speaker’s intention and the situation.
- Diatopic Varieties: Due to different geographical areas.
1.2. Standard Language
The standard language is considered the ideal that all speakers should know and use. It represents the set of rules considered correct.
1.3. Learned Language
Learned language builds upon the standard language. Its main features are:
- Correct Pronunciation: Avoiding slang and using proper phonetics.
- Lexical Richness: Employing a wide vocabulary.
- Well-Structured Syntax: Using grammatically correct sentence structures for clear expression.
1.4. Colloquial Language
Colloquial language is used for communication with close relationships. It is the most common register in everyday life, and while mistakes may occur, it generally follows the rules of the language. Its linguistic features include:
- Relaxed Pronunciation
- Use of Crutches (filler words)
- Words with Emotional Charge
- Use of Phrases
- Exclamations and Interjections
- Repetition of Words and Phrases
- Vocatives (direct addresses)
- Emphasis
1.5. Vulgar Language
Vulgar language deviates from the standard language. Due to a lack of adherence to rules, inaccuracies called slang occur. These inaccuracies affect all levels of language:
- Phonetic Level: Sound confusion and loss.
- Morphosyntactic Level: Incorrect use of determiners and pronouns.
- Lexical Level: Confusion in word meanings and incorrect use of prepositions and conjunctions.
1.6. Jargon and its Types
Jargon is a particular form of expression used by specific social or professional groups. There are two main types:
- Professional Jargon: Specific to various professions and contains many technicalities (terms specific to a trade).
- Social Jargon (Slang): Employed by marginal social groups.
2. Forms of Utterance
Forms of utterance are different ways to express a message. They include narration, description, exposition, argumentation, and dialogue.
2.1. Narration
Narration involves recounting real or imagined events that happen to characters in a specific time and space.
2.1.1. Character Types
- Type Characters: Represent typical behaviors of a group or class.
- Individual Characters: Possess specific and differentiated traits.
- Flat Characters: Defined by a single unchanging feature.
- Round Characters: Have a variety of features and their behavior changes throughout the narrative.
2.1.2. The Narrator
The narrator is a crucial element as they present the events.
- First-Person Narration: The narrator is a character in the story.
- Third-Person Narration: The narrator tells the story of others.
- Omniscient Narrator: Knows everything about the characters, including their thoughts and feelings.
2.1.3. Narrative Structure
The sequence of events can be ordered in different ways:
- Progressive and Linear Structure: Chronological order with an introduction, development (knot), and conclusion (outcome).
- In Medias Res: Starts with the knot, then flashes back to the beginning, and continues with the outcome.
- In Extrema Res: Starts with the outcome and then flashes back to the initial situation.
2.2. Description
Description represents objects, people, animals, or environments through language. Its function is to attribute characteristics and properties.
2.2.1. Types of Description
- Portrait: Description of a person.
- Prosopography: Describes only physical aspects.
- Etopeya: Describes psychological traits.
- Caricature: Distorted description for humorous effect.
- Self-Portrait: The author describes themselves in the first person.
- Topographic Description: Description of environments and landscapes.
- Chronograph Description: Description of an age or stage of history.
2.3. Exposition
Exposition involves presenting information about a particular topic. Its purpose is purely informational.
2.4. Argumentation
Argumentation involves providing reasons to support or refute an opinion or idea. Its aim is to convince the recipient.
2.4.1. Elements of Argumentation
Argumentation consists of three elements: thesis, development, and conclusion.
- Thesis: The main point being argued.
- Deductive Order: Thesis presented at the beginning, followed by supporting reasons.
- Inductive Order: Supporting reasons presented first, followed by the thesis.
2.5. Dialogue
Dialogue is a conversation between two or more characters. It can be used to advance the plot, reveal character traits, or create a sense of realism.