Essay Plans

Question 1

Evaluate the idea that language used by different social groups is primarily designed to exclude others

Answer 1

1. Language often functions as a marker of identity. Labov - Martha’s Vineyard
2. Teenagers of professional cliques - jargon or slang
3. Builds solidarity. Gary ives’ Bradford study: code-switching to assert shared cultural identity
4. Exclusion as a by product. More about social positioning than intentional othering

Question 2

Evaluate the idea that a persons language is completely determined by the social groups they belong to

Answer 2

1. Sociolects clearly shaped by social groups. Penelope eckerts work on jocks and burnouts.
2. Giles’ accommodation theory, code-switching
3. Variation, social groups provide a linguistic framework but don’t wholly determined usage

Question 3

Evaluate the idea that slang helps people to feel accepted

Answer 3

1. Slang helps forge social bonds. Gary ives’ south London study, slang to establish cultural norms and differentiate themselves from adults, reinforces group cohesion
2. Communication accommodation theory (giles)convergence helps signal affiliation with a group
3. Can be used to exclude or create hierarchies e.g. mocking those that use outdated terms leading to diversion rather than unity