metalanguage

• what are the modes of languge?

  written + spoken + signed/visual
• what is the register?

  how formal or informal a text is - sits on a continuum
• what is orthography?

  the system of writing conventions in language
• what is standard english?

  • The variety of English that a community has determined to represent that community's established variety of written and spoken English, and is formally codified in dictionaries and other official language resources.
  • considered the accepted standard
  • not necessary linked to any type of register or any particular level of formality
  • level formality can be thought of as neutral - neither formal nor informal
• what are the functions language?

  • the purpose of a message
  • many texts wil have more than one function - should acknowledge the functions that are the most prominent in the text
  • language has 6 functions:
  • metalinguistic
  • referential
  • phatic
  • emotive
  • poetic
  • conative
• what is register?

  • stylistic variation of language, defined by its use
  • it involves all features of language as well as levels of formality
• what is the level of formality of a text highly dependent on?

  • situational and cultural context
  • intent of the author or speaker
  • audience
• what does level of formality mean?

  • refers to how formal or informal the language used is
  • formality can be considered as a continuum
  • allows for nuanced expression that can be tailored to specific situations
  • four main points on the continuum are:
  • highly informal; somewhat informal; somewhat formal; highly formal
  • the level of formality in language can be created through the use of certain features that are typical of either informal or formal texts
• what types of words can increase the informality of a text?

  • swearing
  • slang
  • the use of colloquial language
• what types of words can increase the formality of a text?

  • jargon
  • euphemism
  • double speak
• what is double speak?

  deliberately euphemistic, ambiguous, or obscure language.
• how is the level of formality influenced by the situational and cultural context?

  • language is adapted to suit the demands of the specific context
  • different cultures or social groups may also have varying expectations regarding formality in language
  • cultural norms play a role in shaping the language used
• how is the level of formality influenced by the audience?

  • understanding the intended audience of a text is key to selecting the appropriate level of formality
  • speaking to a group of academics - use specialised terminology + a more formal register
  • communicating with close friends or children - use simpler, more casual language
• how is the level of formality influenced by the intent of the author of speaker?

  • whether the intent of the author is to persuade, instruct, entertain or inform, each requires different language styles
  • individuals can vary their level of formality within a single conversation to achieve a particular purpose, reflecting the fluid nature of the formality continuum
• Standard English is the variety of English that a community has determined to represent that community's established variety of written and spoken English, and is formally codified in dictionaries and other official language resources.
• Standard English is considered the accepted standard.
• Levels of formality in Standard English can be thought of as neutral - neither formal nor informal.
• Standard English is used to create a common ground for understanding.
• Different varieties of standard English have slight variations in language use and norms that have been codified and standardised.
• Standard English is taught in schools, used in formal writing and often expected in formal communication.
• Standard English enhances opportunities in global communication and professional fields.
• what is language influenced by?

  • register
  • tenor
  • audience
• what is register?

  • analysing the regist or a text involves describing how a speaker or writer is using language based on a particular context
  • common registers include:
  • formal
  • informal
  • technical
  • public
  • ceremonial
  • colloquial
• what should be considered when deciding on the register of a text?

  • lexical choices
  • syntax
  • pronunciation
• what lexical choices should be considered when deciding on the register of a text?

  • jargon
  • idioms
  • colloquialisms
  • slang
  • personal and impersonal pronouns
  • morphological patterns
  • hypocoristic use of suffixes
  • emoticons, emojis and context-specific graphemes
  • euphemisms and dysphemisms
  • non-discriminatory language
• what part of syntax should be considered when deciding on the register of a text?

  • sentence structures
  • completion of phrases and clauses
  • active and passive voice
  • word order
  • ellipses
• what parts of pronunciation should be considered when deciding on the register of a text?

  • elision
  • assimilation
  • vowel reduction
  • insertion
  • phonological patterns
• what is tenor?

  • refers to how the relationships between the participants can be reflected in the features of language that they use
  • language features that support a determination of relationship type, and thus the tenor of a text, often link to formality and register
  • things to consider when analysing the tenor of a text:
  • social status
  • professional roles
  • personal relationships
  • social distance
  • level of comfort
• how should social status be considered when analysing the tenor of a text?

  • a teacher has a higher social status than a student in a school setting because the teacher is in a position of authority but this same teacher will not thave the same higher status among their friends ourside of school
  • hence the language that the teacher uses in a classroom could be quite different from the language they use when out in the community
• how should professional roles be considered when analysing the tenor of a text?

  • expertise, academic background and occupational status all play a role in shaping the language that we use
  • in a professional setting, the tenor often involves hierarchical relationships e.g. employer-employee
• how should personal relationships be considered when analysing the tenor of a text?

  • personal relationships that participants have with each other can shape how conversational exchanges occur
  • in family settings, especially between parents and children, the tenor can be one of guidance and dependency
  • in a friendship group, tenor can be characterised by mutual respect, familiarity and equality
• how should social distance be considered when analysing the tenor of a text?

  • social distance is how we refer to the abstract or conceptual space that we have between individuals or groups depending on who we are, who they are, and the situational and cultural context
  • close friends would have little social distance while strangers have more
  • social hierarchies can further increase social distance
• what is audience?

  • The intended listener/s to or reader/s of a text.
  • when a text is spontaneous or planned, the register that writers or speakers use and the tenor they want to achieve are closely bound to the audience
  • a speaker or writer with a familiar audience is more likely to use an informal register, to promote and maintain rapport
• what is audience?

  • The intended listener/s to or reader/s of a text.
  • when a text is spontaneous or planned, the register and the tenor writers/authors want to achieve are closely bound to the audience
  • familiar audience - likely to use an informal register (promote and maintain rapport)
  • unfamiliar audiences - a more formal register used (ensure inclusivity)
  • being mindful of a text's multiple audiences will impact the register a writer or speaker chooses to employ
  • it is best to be as specific as possible when describing an audience - should also consider situational and cultural context
• what is the referential function of a text?

  • describes language users sharing information with their intended audience
  • information may or may not be true, but is presented as being factual and objective
• what is the emotive function of a text?

  • allows users to express emotions and desires
  • somtimes referred to as the expressive function
  • it is usually about the addresser and their presentation of emotion - real or not
• what is the conative function of a text?

  • involves directions, questions and commnds
  • messages with a conative fucntion aim to cause the audience to react in some way
• what is the phatic function of a text?

  • creates and maintains social connections between the writer or speaker and their audience
  • these messages tend to be somewhat meaningless outside a social context
• what is the metalinguistic function of a text?

  • describes language itself
  • it is the language used to talk about language e.g. metalanguage
  • it allows speakers to check whether they have been understood or are using the right type of language for conversation
• what is the poetic function of a text?

  • focuses on the message itself, rather than on the communicators
  • it is sometimes referred to as the aesthetic function - texts are created with consideration of the beauty or wit of the words within themwhat is the poetic function of a text?