Language And Region

Question 1

Milroy and milroy

Answer 1

Theory: Social Networks Theory
Language variation is influenced by the structure of social networks (closed vs. open).
Study: Belfast Study (1980s)
Investigated how the strength of social ties (closed networks) influenced language use in Belfast.

Question 2

Penelope Eckert

Answer 2

Theory: Social Practices Theory
Language reflects and shapes social practices, influenced by status and group membership.
Study: Gender and Teenage Speech (1990s)
Studied how teenagers’ speech varies based on social groups (e.g., jocks vs. burnouts) in Detroit.

Question 3

Jenny Cheshire

Answer 3

Theory: Social Dialects Theory
Non-standard forms are used in social contexts, often driven by peer pressure and social networks.
Study: Reading Study (1980s)
Focused on children’s use of non-standard forms in Reading, showing peer influence and social network effects.

Question 4

Trudgill

Answer 4

Theory: Social Class and Dialect Theory
Social class affects pronunciation and dialect, with higher classes using more standard forms.
Study: Norwich Study (1970s)
Investigated dialect variation in Norwich, focusing on pronunciation differences across social classes.

Question 5

Moore

Answer 5

Theory: Language and Identity Theory
Language is used to construct social identities, especially related to ethnicity and youth culture and use of negative concord
Study: Language and Identity (2000s)
Explored how language expresses ethnic and youth identities, showing how language is tied to group membership.

Question 6

Ian Cushing

Answer 6

Theory: Language Policing Theory
Focuses on how Standard English is enforced in schools and its social implications

Study: Language Policing in Schools (2010s)
Analyzed how schools enforce Standard English and the stigmatization of non-standard language use.

Question 7

Labov

Answer 7

Theory: Social Stratification of Language Theory
Language variation is linked to social class, and higher classes often use more prestigious forms.
Study: New York Department Store Study (1960s)/Martha’s Vineyard interviews
Studied the variation of the “r” sound across social classes in New York department stores.

Question 8

Wenger

Answer 8

First coined the idea of ‘community of practise’ - how individuals learn there place as social beings