Linguistic Variation and Social Function

Abstract

The fact that linguistic variation is correlated with a wide range of, sociological characteristics of speakers has been extensively documented over the last 15 years by the many studies that have been inspired by the work of William Labov. It is well established, for example, that the frequency with which speakers use non-standard linguistic features is correlated with their socioeconomic class. More recently, studies involving speakers from a single socioeconomic class have been able to reveal some of the more subtle aspects of sociolinguistic variation. It has been found, for example, that the frequency of use of non-standard phonological features in Belfast English is correlated with the type of social network in which speakers are involved (see Milroy and Margrain 1980). This paper will show that the frequency with which adolescent speakers use many non-standard morphological and syntactic features of the variety ofEnglish spoken in the town of Reading, in Berkshire is correlated with the extent to which they adhere to the norms of the vernacular culture. It will also show that linguistic variables often fulfil different social and semantic functions for the speakers who use them. The paper will consider nine non-standard features of Reading English: 1 the present tense suffix with non 3rd person singular subjects e.g. we goes shopping on Saturdays 2 has with non 3rd person singular subjects e.g. we has a little fire, keeps us warm 3 was with plural subjects (and singular you) e.g. you was outside 4 multiple negation e.g. I'm not going nowhere 5 negative past tense never, used for standard English didn't e.g. I never done it, it was him 6 what used for standard English who, whom, which, and that e.g. there's a knob what you tum Are you the boy what's just come?