Overview
This lecture explores linguistic variation in Swedish, explaining how age, geography, social factors, and personal identity shape how people speak.
Introduction to Linguistic Variation
- Linguistic variation means that language sounds and words can differ greatly even within one country.
- Variation is influenced by factors such as age, region, social background, profession, and hobbies.
- People constantly interpret and adjust to these different levels of language.
Main Categories of Linguistic Variation
- There are three main categories: dialects (regional), sociolects (social group), and chronolects (age/generation).
- Dialect is shaped by geographical location and where you grew up.
- Sociolect is influenced by social class, education, job, gender, and ethnic background.
- Chronolect refers to generational differences in language use.
Dialects
- Regional differences create distinct dialects, such as different ways of speaking in Gothenburg versus Umeå.
- Dialects are becoming less distinct due to increased connectivity between regions.
Sociolects and Social Factors
- Sociolects reflect class, education, income, and professional roles.
- Language can signal social status and professional knowledge (e.g., doctors using Latin terminology).
- Sociolinguistic accommodation means we adapt our language to match or differ from our conversation partners (convergent and divergent accommodation).
- Group-specific language, or jargon, often develops in tight-knit groups.
Slang, Borrowings, and Language Guardians
- The term "slang" is hard to define and varies from person to person.
- English words are increasingly borrowed and mixed into Swedish across contexts.
- ‘Language guardians’ work to advise and maintain standards on usage, despite changing norms.
Chronolects and Generational Differences
- Generational differences are reflected in word choice, slang, and reinforcement words.
- Youth language constantly changes and may include English borrowings or new meanings for words.
- The language you use in your youth tends to stick with you as you age.
Idiolect and Language Identity
- Idiolect is an individual's unique way of speaking, shaped by personal experiences, interests, and influences.
- Language is a key marker of personal and group identity.
- Adapting language styles (registers) is important for fitting in with different social groups.
Influence of Society and Time on Language
- Societal changes, stability, or crises can push language toward modernization or conservatism.
- Language evolves with time, reflecting both current realities and aspirations.
Key Terms & Definitions
- Dialect — Variation in language based on geographic location.
- Sociolect — Language variation linked to social groups or class.
- Chronolect — Language variation related to age or generation.
- Accommodation — Adjusting one’s speech to match or distance from others.
- Idiolect — An individual's unique way of speaking.
- Slang — Informal language, often difficult to define consistently.
Action Items / Next Steps
- Review examples of dialects, sociolects, and chronolects.
- Reflect on your own linguistic background and what influences your language use.