Sociolinguistics of Australian English Essay -- Essays Papers

Sociolinguistics of Australian English Behind every language lies a fascinatingly intricate structure, which contains much more than a simple set of symbols. Language is not merely a code used to switch a text from one idiom to another, but an entity with its own complex, intriguing characteristics. In fact, exact translations do not even exist from one language to another because every dialect possesses unique aspects that have come about from centuries of social change and interaction. In return, language, through everyday speech, as well as literature, shapes society. Therefore, â€Å"language is one of the most powerful emblems of social behavior.†[1] From this idea emerged sociolinguistics, one of the most important fields of study in today’s world of increasing international relations. Sociolinguistics studies the relationships between the way a society functions and its language. Areas of the field include, but are certainly not limited to, pidgins and creoles, gender relations, eco nomic status, and age. Researchers examine both the effects of social factors on language, and the effects of language on society. The contemporary world is bringing many people of different cultural and linguistic backgrounds together, perhaps more than any other period of history. Thus, the study of fields such as semiotics, linguistics, and sociolinguistics is crucial to gain a better understanding of how languages are created and how they bring meaning to the world. Australian English, referred to hereafter as AE, exemplifies the mutual influence exerted upon language and society. AE is not only a unique manner of speaking, even from other English dialects, but also an entirely distinct manner of individ... ... English. Sydney: Reed Education, 1972. 67. [13] Seal, Graham. The Lingo: Listening to Australian English. Sydney: Univeristy of New South Wales Press, 1999. 23. [14] Horne, Donald. Forward. Macquarie Dictionary. 2nd ed. Arthur Delbridge et al, eds. McMahons Point, New South Wales: Macquarie Library, 1991. [15] Mitchell and Delbridge 44. [16] Keesing, Nancy. Lily on the Dustbin: Slang of Australian Women and Families. Ringwood, Victoria: Penguin Books, 1982. [17] Pauwels, Anne. â€Å"Gender Differences in Australian English.† Language in Australia. Ed. Suzanne Romaine. Cambridge: Cambridge University Press, 1991. [18] Turner 34. [19] Mitchell and Delbridge 5. [20] Bernard and Delbridge. [21] Bernard and Delbridge. [22] Turner 11. [23] Adams, Phillip. â€Å"US ‘R Us.† City Weekly. 24 July 2003. [24] Horne xi.