Language Variation and Linguistic Analysis

Linguistics and Applied Linguistics: A Complex Relationship

One approach to practical and professional language issues involves connecting them to linguistic principles. Linguistics seeks general patterns in language.

Generative Linguistics and Idealization

Generative linguistics, introduced by Noam Chomsky, emphasizes the representation of language in the mind (competence) over actual language use in everyday life (performance).

Sociolinguistics, Functional Linguistics, and Corpus Linguistics

Sociolinguistics focuses on the relationship between language and society. Functional linguistics examines language as a communication tool. Corpus linguistics has become increasingly important in investigating language use.

Prescribing vs. Describing Language: Correctness

Children's Language at Home and School

A controversial issue in education is the relationship between standard language and dialects. The standard is typically used in written communication, while dialects are regional and social variations differing in pronunciation, grammar, and vocabulary, rarely written down.

Restricted and Elaborated Codes

Some social groups use a restricted code lacking the full resources of the standard language's more elaborated code. Schools reflect both language use and social values in their approach to language education.

Description vs. Prescription

Linguistics favors description (what happens) over prescription (what should happen), arguing that the standard is not superior or more stable than other varieties.

Arguments for Description over Prescription

• If there were no deviations, languages would not change.
• If one standard were absolute, regional standards would not gain independence.
• Dialects have consistent, rule-governed grammars, as complex and expressive as standard forms.
• The standard often resembles the usage of the most powerful class or region.
• Written and spoken grammar differ, even among standard speakers, with writing holding more prestige.
• Some "correct" forms are invented by grammarians, based on other languages.