Lesley Milroy: Belfast 1980

• What is a multiplex social network?

  A social network where members are connected in multiple ways.
• How does a closed network differ from an open network?

  A closed network has personal contacts that know each other, while an open network does not.
• What does a high density of connections in a social network indicate?

  It indicates that individuals are closely linked in various ways.
• What were the three communities Milroy investigated in Belfast?

  Ballymacarrett, the Hammer, and Clonard
• What was the unemployment rate in the communities Milroy studied?

  High rates of unemployment
• What method did Milroy use to assess individuals in the communities?

  She gave each individual a Network Strength Score.
• What scale did Milroy use for the Network Strength Score?

  A scale from 1 to 5
• What linguistic variables did Milroy measure?

  Variables like (th) as in mother and (a) as in hat.
• What correlation did Milroy find regarding Network Strength Scores?

  A high Network Strength Score was correlated with the use of vernacular or non-standard forms.
• How did men's speech patterns differ from women's in the studied communities?

  Men used more vernacular forms, while women used more standard forms.
• What was unique about the speech patterns of women in the Hammer and Clonard communities?

  More women than expected used the non-standard form of (a) as in hat.
• What social factors influenced the speech patterns in the Hammer and Clonard communities?

  High unemployment rates and shared domestic tasks among men and women.
• What percentage of unemployment was reported in the Hammer and Clonard communities?

  Around 35 percent
• How did the young Clonard women's work situation affect their social network?

  They belonged to a dense and multiplex network.
• What pressure did the tight-knit network of young Clonard women exert on its members?

  It exerted pressure to conform to linguistic norms.
• What are the characteristics of a speech community as described in the study material?

  • Members are connected in a multiplex social network.
  • Connections can be as relatives, neighbors, workmates, or friends.
  • A closely-knit group enforces linguistic norms.
• What are the implications of Milroy's findings on social networks and language use?

  • High Network Strength Scores correlate with vernacular language use.
  • Men in tight-knit networks use more non-standard forms.
  • Women's speech is less vernacular due to less dense networks.