What are the key concepts and theories in sociolinguistic variation research?

1 Variation and change

Language is not a static system, but a dynamic one that evolves over time and adapts to different situations. Variation and change are two aspects of this process. Variation refers to the existence of different ways of saying the same thing, such as pronouncing the same word differently or using different grammatical forms. Change refers to the emergence or disappearance of linguistic forms or features over time, such as new words or sounds. Sociolinguistic variation research investigates how variation and change are influenced by social factors and how they affect communication and meaning.

2 Labovian model

One of the most influential models of sociolinguistic variation and change is the one developed by William Labov, who is widely regarded as the founder of modern sociolinguistics. Labov's model is based on the concept of the linguistic variable, which is a unit of language that can be realized in different ways depending on the speaker, the context, and the function. For example, the word 'tune' can be pronounced with or without an /y/ sound, as /tun/ or /tjun/. Labov's model proposes that linguistic variables are associated with different social groups and meanings, and that they can undergo change as a result of social pressure and innovation. Labov's model also provides methods for collecting, measuring, and analyzing linguistic data, such as surveys, interviews, and observations.

3 Social networks and communities of practice

Another important concept in sociolinguistic variation research is the notion of social networks and communities of practice. A social network is a set of relationships between individuals or groups based on factors such as friendship, kinship, occupation, or membership. A community of practice is a group of people who share a common activity, interest, or goal and develop a shared repertoire of linguistic and cultural resources. Sociolinguistic variation research examines how social networks and communities of practice affect language use and change, such as how people adopt or resist linguistic innovations, how they signal their identity or solidarity, and how they negotiate norms and values.

4 Style and stance

Style and stance are two related concepts that sociolinguistic variation researchers use to explain how speakers use language to project different images of themselves and their attitudes in different situations. Style is the way of speaking that a speaker adopts or shifts to according to the context, the audience, the purpose, and the genre. Stance is the way of speaking that a speaker uses to express their opinions, beliefs, emotions, or relationships. Sociolinguistic variation research explores how style and stance are constructed and communicated through linguistic choices, such as word choice, pronunciation, grammar, intonation, and gesture.

5 Indexicality and performativity

Indexicality and performativity are two theoretical concepts that sociolinguistic variation researchers use to understand how language relates to social meaning and action. Indexicality is the property of language that enables it to point to or indicate something beyond itself, such as a speaker's identity, group, or status. Performativity is the property of language that enables it to create or transform something by saying it, such as a promise, a threat, or a joke. Sociolinguistic variation research analyzes how indexicality and performativity work in different contexts and how they shape and are shaped by social structures and practices.

6 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?