Course : Introduction to Linguistics II (Εαρ. 2024-'25) - Sections Α-Καρ & Π-Ω

In this class, we approached language through the lens of sociolinguistics, namely the branch of linguistics that studies how social, geographical, cultural, and personal factors influence the use of language.

We specifically focused on regional variation, which depends on the geographical area in which a variety is spoken. We thus established a distinction between the standard language and regional dialects, while acknowledging that all language varieties are of equal status. Regional variation applies to all levels of language, with pronunciation in the form of accent being the most prominent.

Related to dialects are the following notions: dialect atlas, isogloss, dialect boundary, and dialect continuum. Finally, we discussed linguistic varieties that result from language contact, namely pidgins, which may eventually develop into creoles. 

For more detail please study the lectures slides and chapter 18 from Yule. For next time, please prepare exercises 6 and 7 from the Handout attached.