KEY TERMS

Cards (10)

What is the lexis used specifically in workplaces called?
Restricted Lexis
What is initialism?
an abbreviation where letters are said individually
What is an acronym?
an abbreviation where the letters are pronounced as a word
what is semantically restricted specialist lexis?
words that take on a particular meaning when part of that semantic field (occupation) but have different meanings in ordinary use
What is an in-group code?
shared restricted lexis of that occupation or group
Why are in-group codes used?
Raise status by excluding others
sense of unity or belonging
need for precise or specialist knowledge in a profession
What is convergence?
change in language to make it more like that of the person we are speaking to
why do we converge?
Social solidarity and support
What is divergence?
change in language to make it more different and distinct to that of who we are speaking to
why do we diverge?
attempt to perform specific identity
to signal social difference