An Introduction to Sociolinguistics
Sociolinguistics is the branch of linguistics concerned with the social functions of language use and the impact of social context on language. As opposed to other branches of linguistics which seek to understand the formal and structural aspects of language, sociolinguistics focuses on how social structures, situations and contexts can alter the rules, functions and uses of language.
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Speech Communities
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Speech communities are discrete groups of individuals who possess a shared manner of using language amongst members. Examples include members of a profession who use a specialized jargon, social groups that use a particular kind of slang, or members of a socioeconomic class who employ a particular dialect. Usually, the language employed by a speech community will reflect that community's priorities and interests.
Dialects
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A dialect is a localized version of a standard or national language. Dialects are characterized by their deviation from the standard language, in which they nevertheless remain embedded, and are usually tied to specific regions or social classes. They have their own set of internally consistent rules and standards of correctness, and are important because they help speakers determine who is and is not included in a particular social group.
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Prestige
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Certain dialects are perceived to be markers of social class. Members of the middle and upper classes tend to employ a language that is closer to the official standard, while the lower classes tend to employ dialects that deviate from the standard. Therefore, the dialect you employ will have a large impact on how you are perceived by others. Some dialects are considered inappropriate for certain social situations, and can be a barrier to social mobility. This is known as the prestige effect.
Covert Prestige
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Covert prestige refers to those who use dialects that are associated with the lower classes in order to establish their place within a local community. The lower classes tend to mark those who employ their dialect as insiders in the group, creating a strong sense of solidarity. Those who use the standard or more prestigious dialect may therefore be less likely to be viewed as a part of that group.
Code Switching and Diglossia
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Code switching refers to the use of more than one language within a single conversation. Code switching is common within multilingual groups, such as immigrants. Diglossia refers to a situation where code switching between different languages or dialects is prone to take place. Speakers possessing more than one language or dialect will try to employ what they see as the appropriate language or dialect depending upon the situation and how they want to be viewed by an interlocutor. This may mean employing a large amount of code switching to demonstrate inclusion in a multilingual speech community, or to demonstrate inclusion into several different communities at once.
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