Folk perceptions of language variation

What is it about?

This paper provides a critical analysis of the existing linguistic research into language variation in a number of different contexts: the UK, the USA, France and Japan. It is hoped that the information gained will help build up a more detailed sociolinguistic picture of the complex and often contradictory nature of public attitudes towards linguistic variation. In the final sections of the paper the authors argue for a greater deal of recognition within modern linguistics of the value of examining public perceptions of language diversity.

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Why is it important?

Examines different language attitudes research traditions in the UK, US and Japan and draws links between the results found in these countries. This is especially the case in relation to match-guise/verbal guise measures and perceptual dialectology techniques. Discusses the possibility of methodological advancement in both experimental and discourse analytic methods of language attitude investigation.

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