English & IdentityNO

• Engels
• Middelbare school
• vwo
• Leerjaar 4,5

How many Englishes do you speak?

Which Englishes do you speak?

What factors influence language and identity?

What is the difference between a language and a dialect?

Some terms to remember

Language

Language: as a system of communication that is mutually intelligible, is a dialect that has been recognised as the standard against which others are measured.

Accent

Accent: A distinct way of pronouncing the language, especially associated with a region or social class. One’s accent is part of one’s dialect.

Dialect

Dialect: All elements of one’s language, including vocabulary, syntax (word order) and pronounciation.

Standardisation

The word ‘doh’ may sound strange or incorrect to you, because they are not the standard of English that you are used to. In fact the word ‘doh’ was added to the Oxford English Dictionary in 2001. Does this now make it an official ‘word’? Dictionaries are very instrumental in determining which language varieties are deemed ‘correct’, but they are always reactionary. ‘Doh’ was used and understood before it was entered into this dictionary, just like the verb ‘to Google’. 

Correctness and appropriateness

While ‘correct’ English may be determined by the standards of dictionaries and printing houses, it should not be confused with ‘appropriateness’. Attitudes toward language, such as its level of appropriateness, are social constructions. ‘LOL’ may be deemed inappropriate, if the context is an academic essay. While, writing out the phrase ‘laughing out loud’ may be deemed inappropriate, if the context is a text message. In effect, one’s choice of words, accent and use of syntax all say something about his or her relationship to the expectations of the context in which they are speaking or writing. This is why diction, accent and syntax are expressions of one’s identity. 

Coloquialisms and register

‘doh’, is a colloquialism. A colloquialism is an expression or linguistic feature, associated with an informal situation. When discussing how certain language is appropriate to particular situations, you can refer to one’s ‘register’. Register is the level of formality or informality of one’s use of language. 

Comment on the identities of the speakers and how these are constructed through language in this cartoon. How do the notions of ‘appropriateness’ or ‘correctness’ play a role in constructing this identity? Refer to the factors from the brainstorm and the terms you have just learned.

Comment on the identities of the speakers and how these are constructed through language in this cartoon. How do the notions of ‘appropriateness’ or ‘correctness’ play a role in constructing this identity? Refer to the factors from the brainstorm and the terms you have just learned.

Comment on the identities of the speakers and how these are constructed through language in this cartoon. How do the notions of ‘appropriateness’ or ‘correctness’ play a role in constructing this identity? Refer to the factors from the brainstorm and the terms you have just learned.

Comment on the identities of the speakers and how these are constructed through language in this cartoon. How do the notions of ‘appropriateness’ or ‘correctness’ play a role in constructing this identity? Refer to the factors from the brainstorm and the terms you have just learned.