Understanding Languages and Dialects

Key Points

• Languages vs. Dialects
  • Often used interchangeably, but have distinct meanings.
  • Max Weinreich's saying: "A language is a dialect with an army and a navy."

Political Nature of Language Classification

• The classification of languages is politically influenced.
• Borders can dictate whether similar forms of speech are classified as separate languages.
  • Example: Swedish, Norwegian, and Danish
    • Mutually intelligible but recognized as three different languages.
• Chinese language classification is complex.
  • Encompasses many local dialects, some of which are not mutually intelligible.

Linguistic Classification Challenges

• Classification is not an exact science.
• Linguists often avoid the terms "language" and "dialect" due to potential value judgments.
• Dialects are sometimes viewed as "improper" speech, but they are equally valid.
• Alternative terminology:
  • Referring to everything as a "variety" is common in academic discussions.

Definitions

• Dialects:
  • Considered a subset of a language.
  • Includes vocabulary, grammar, and pronunciation (accent).
• Accents:
  • A component of dialects, refers to pronunciation differences.

Examples

• English as a language:
  • American English as a dialect.
  • Specific pronunciation as an accent (e.g., "I'm walking here!").

Cultural Notes

• Use of casual language in examples:
  • "Ello govenah" and "I was sat on the tube with a cuppa" highlight regional dialects.