Sociophonetics

Sociophonetics

Sociophonetics is a branch of linguistics using sociolinguistics and phonetics methods. It explains how language affects society. It is put forward with the aim of analyzing sociolinguistic questions, using phonetics and data as a reference. Sociophonetic was first put forward by William Labov around 1960 or 70s related to his research on the pronunciation of vowels and their relationship in changing the language and dialect that a person uses in communication. Along with the times, the use of spectrography and spectroplatography techniques made it easier for researchers to understand phonetic variations in more detail.

Identity in the context of sociology and linguistics refers to the characteristics that distinguish a person or group in society. This can include various aspects such as ethnicity, gender, social status, education level, age, and others. In the sociology of language, identity is often associated with the way a person uses language, which reflects and influences their position in society. For example, the use of certain dialects or slang can indicate membership in a particular social group or community. Identity can also develop and change over time due to social interactions and cultural influences.

Labov Principle

William Labov's principles in sociolinguistics provide a comprehensive framework for understanding the systematic nature of language variation and its interaction with social structures. Labov principle include:

1. Systematic Language Variation Language variation is not random but follows clear patterns influenced by social factors such as social class, ethnicity, gender, and social context. For instance, speech varies when talking to peers versus superiors.
2. Multidimensional Variation Variation includes differences in pronunciation, grammar, vocabulary, and language style. Speakers adjust their language registers based on social context and formality, such as using formal vocabulary in professional settings compared to casual settings at home.
3. Dynamic Language Change Language is constantly evolving due to factors like interlanguage contact, migration, and social change. Studying these changes helps understand social dynamics and individual interactions' impact on language.
4. Multiple Relatedness Language variation is influenced by interconnected social factors, including social class, ethnicity, gender, age, and social situations. For example, teenagers and adults from the same ethnic background may speak differently due to age and social experiences.

Language Variation

In linguistics, language variation refers to differences in the way language is used by individuals or groups in society. Social factors that influence language variation include age, gender and social class. Here's a more in-depth explanation of each of these factors:

Age

The language used by individuals can differ based on their age. For example:

• Children may use simpler language or use a lot of slang that is popular among them.
• Teenagers are often pioneers in language innovation, coining or adopting new words and phrases that may be unfamiliar to older generations.
• Adults tend to use more formal language in professional contexts, but they may also adopt some elements of language used by younger generations.
• Seniors may retain the use of words or phrases that are outdated or rarely used by younger generations.

Gender

Gender also affects language variation. It shows that there are differences in the way men and women communicate. For example:

• Women tend to use more polite language, showing empathy and care in their communication. They use tag questions more often (e.g. “ah, so”).
• Men tend to use more direct and assertive language. They use imperatives more often and language that is more competitive or status-based.

Social Class

Social class has a significant effect on language variation. Language can reflect a person's social status in society. For example:

• The upper class may use a more formal and complex variety of language, with an extensive vocabulary and a style of speech that reflects higher education.
• The middle class tends to use a more formal variety of language at work, but is more relaxed in social settings.
• The working class may use a more informal variety of language and may include more slang or regional dialects.

References

Baronowski, M. (2012). Sociophonetics. The Oxford Handbook of Sociolinguistics ed.
Eckert, P. (1989). The Whole Woman: Sex and Gender Differences in Variation. Language Variation and Change, 1(3), 245-267.
Fant, G. (1960). Acoustic Theory of Speech Production. Mouton.
Geeslin, K. L. (Ed.). (2022). The Routledge Handbook of Second Language Acquisition and Sociolinguistics. Routledge.
Holmes, J. (1997). Women's Talk: The Question of Sociolinguistic Universals. In Sociolinguistics: A Reader and Coursebook. Palgrave.
Johnson, K. (2011). Acoustic and Auditory Phonetics. Wiley-Blackwell.
Labov, W. (n.d.). The Intersection of Sex and Social Class in the Course of Linguistic Change. Language Variation and Change, 2(2), 205-254.
Ladefoged, P. (2005). Vowels and Consonants: An Introduction to the Sounds of Languages.
Ozerina, A. A., & Ulyana, O. A. (2023). FEATURES OF THE SOCIOCULTURAL IDENTITY OF A MODERN STUDENT. Obrazovanie i Nauka, 25(2), 164-190. 10.17853/1994-5639-2023-2-164-190