Language Variation: Types, Dialects, and Registers
Linguistic Varieties
Language is not uniform and undergoes numerous changes depending on various factors. These variations can be categorized as:
- Historical or Generational: Related to time, demonstrating how language evolves and manifests differently across eras and generations.
- Geographic or Dialectal: Dependent on the geographical origin of speakers.
- Social: Originating according to age groups, gender, social or cultural level, and profession.
- Functional or Stylistic (Registers): Dependent on the context in which language is used. These present a gradation based on the theme, channel used, and intended degree of formality.
Geographical Variations and Dialects
Geographical variations manifest as dialectal differences spoken in various areas of a territory. While using the same linguistic code, words and pronunciations may differ. The Catalan language, for instance, has two major dialectal areas: Eastern Catalan and Western Catalan. This division is primarily based on the pronunciation of certain vowels.
Specific Catalan Dialects
- Roussillon or Northern Catalan: Spoken in Northern Catalonia and heavily influenced by French.
- Central Catalan: The most widely spoken dialect in the linguistic area of Girona.
- Insular Catalan or Balearic: Spoken in the Balearic Islands (Mallorcan, Minorcan, Ibizan).
- Algherese: Spoken in the city of Alghero, Sardinia.
- Northwestern Catalan: Spread across the western fringe of Catalonia and parts of Aragon (Lleidetà , Ribagorçan).
- Valencian: Spoken in the eastern areas of the Valencian Community, divided into three sub-dialects: Northern Valencian, Apitxat, and Southern Valencian.
Social Varieties of Language
Social varieties are based on factors such as age, gender, social or cultural level, and profession. These variations are manifested in the use of different words and expressions.
Slang refers to terms used by specific social groups, often a private language that may be unknown to other speakers. It typically involves a specific and familiar vocabulary.
Functional and Stylistic Varieties (Registers)
Also known as registers, these varieties depend on the context in which language is used. They present a gradation based on the theme being discussed, the channel used to transmit the message, and the intended degree of formality.
Formal Registers
Formal registers are closest to written communication or serious and distant oral communication. The most common types include:
Scientific and Technical Registers
Used to discuss specific branches of knowledge in an objective and impersonal manner. They employ precise technical vocabulary, formulas, and symbols.
Literary Registers
Their primary purpose is aesthetic: to enhance the beauty and expressiveness of language through the use of stylistic devices.
Standard Register
This is a neutral language variety, not exclusive to any social group or dialectal area. It uses words and structures common to most speakers.
Informal Registers
Colloquial Register
Characterized by vague, generic vocabulary, simple syntax, and often defective or unfinished constructions. It is rich in expressive elements.
Vulgar Register
Uses words and expressions considered ordinary or inappropriate.