Sociolinguistics and Applied Linguistics: Key Concepts
Sociolinguistics
Sociolinguistics is the descriptive study of the effect of any and all aspects of society, including cultural norms, expectations, and context, on the way language is used, and the effects of language use on society. Sociolinguistics differs from the sociology of language in that the focus of sociolinguistics is the effect of the society on the language, while the sociology of language focuses on language’s effect on the society. It also studies how language varieties differ between groups separated by certain social variables, e.g., ethnicity, religion, status, gender, level of education, age, etc., and how the creation and adherence to these rules are used to categorize individuals in social or socioeconomic classes.
Applied Linguistics vs. Linguistics Applied
The difference between both topics was made by Widdowson in 1980, searching for a distinction. He separated both topics and made a definition for both. Linguistics applied is theoretical; it refers to linguistics and its defined areas. On the other hand, applied linguistics is practical and aims at finding solutions to real-life problems.
Lingua Franca
A lingua franca is a language systematically (as opposed to occasionally, or casually) used to make communication possible between persons not sharing a native language, in particular when it is a third language, distinct from both native languages.
Applied Linguistics
Applied linguistics had its origins about 100 years ago when modern foreign language teaching established itself as a profession with the first academic departments, professional associations, and journals.
Areas Covered by Applied Linguistics
- CALL (Computer-Assisted Language Learning)
- Language Teaching
- Language Policy
- Speech Therapy
- Lexicography
- Translation
CALL: Computer-Assisted Language Learning
Computer-Assisted Language Learning (CALL) is the search for and study of applications of the computer in language teaching and learning. It is a tool that helps teachers in facilitating language learning. It can be used to reinforce what has been learned in the classroom or as a corrective tool for students who need additional assistance.
Criteria for Language Variation
- Ethnicity/Race
- Age
- Social Class
- Education
- Religion
- Gender
Hypercorrection
Hypercorrection refers to some sort of error or mispronunciation in the language that usually stems from a desire to be too formal or overly correct. Usually, those who make the mistake of hypercorrection take a linguistic rule and apply it where it should not be applied. In English, these errors are often grammatical, and some forms of hypercorrection in this language involve personal pronouns and using prepositions at the end of a sentence. Hypercorrection can also occur in pronunciation, usually in cases of individuals who are studying a new language. The issue of “you and I” versus “you and me” is a common example.
Code-Switching
Code-switching occurs when a speaker alternates between two or more languages, or language varieties, in the context of a single conversation. Thus, code-switching is the use of more than one linguistic variety in a manner consistent with the syntax and phonology of each variety.
Language Contact
Language contact occurs when two or more languages or varieties interact.
Jargon
Jargon refers to specific vocabulary used within a particular field or profession.
Borrowing
Borrowing refers to the adoption of words or phrases from other languages.
Non-Standard Language
The study of non-standard language is helpful for both teachers and students. In urban ghettos, we find very little adjustment to school forms. Non-standard dialects should be studied within their own system (in their own right), but also in comparison to other dialects of English (such as Standard English).