“In this area of study students focus on the role of language in reflecting and constructing individual and group identities. They examine how language users are able to play different roles within speech communities and to construct their identities through subconscious and conscious language variation, according to age, gender, occupation, interests, aspiration and education”. (VCAA)
Standard Australian English and construction of a “standard” identity
“The language features associated with jargon and slang also provide a powerful basis for inclusion and exclusion.” (VCAA)
- Overt norms in speech communities: prestigious identity associated with class, education, occupation, social status and aspirations: professional group membership
- National identity and social cohesion
Group Identities (social/professional/recreational/overt)
- Group identities (leisure pursuits and sporting pursuits);
- See Diverse Identities and Language (Genderlects);
Non-standard varieties of English: construction of identity
(“Covert” norms are those that “are given prestige by local groups and are typically associated with non-Standard English”. “Students learn how societal attitudes, personal associations and individual prejudices can lead to social disadvantage against use of non-Standard English dialects and accents.”)
- Covert norms and Examples of in-group membership)
Unit 4: Language variation and identity : You will cover SAE as a prestigious variety of discourse; but you will not need to cover its “role in establishing national identity”. You will still study SAE, non-Standard English varieties (a range of migrant ethnolects, and Aboriginal Englishes) . See essays on national identity.
- Return to: Contemporary examples 2023 for language variation
- Return to Essays Made Easy: English Language
- References to linguists and relevant commentators (which ones?)