The context refers to the situation in which language is used. It includes:

  Formal vs. Informal Settings

(e.g., workplace vs. home)

 Example:

In a formal meeting, you might say: "Good morning, Mr. Johnson. I want to discuss the quarterly report."

2. Style

Style refers to how people adjust their language based on context and audience. Linguist Martin Joos identified five speech styles:

Example:

Formal style: "I appreciate your assistance in this matter."

Casual style: "Thanks for your help!"

3. Social Class

Social class can influence vocabulary, pronunciation, and grammar. People from different socioeconomic backgrounds may use language differently.

Example (Pronunciation & Vocabulary Differences)

An upper-class individual might say, "I have purchased a new vehicle," while someone from a working-class background might say, "I bought a new car."

Summary: Context, style and social class in language.

Language is not static; it changes according to the context, style and social class of the speaker and the audience. These factors determine the way people express themselves, the words they choose and the level of formality they maintain in communication.

EXAMPLE

Informal: "Hey! Where were you yesterday?"

Formal: "Could you please tell me where you were last night?"

Academic: "Let’s analyze the use of language in different contexts.

• A structured system of communication.

• It uses symbols to convey meaning.

Cognition

• Mental processes involved in gaining knowledge.

• Includes thinking and reasoning.

Culture

• Shared beliefs and practices.

• They shape a group's identity.

EXAMPLE:

An everyday example is how we organize the days of the week. In some cultures, Sunday is considered the first day of the week, while in others it is Monday. This influences how people plan their time and have different perspectives, the start of new activities.

Characteristic:

• Linguistic Relativity

• Language influences thought.

• Linguistic Determinism

• Language determines thought.

• Critiques

• Evidence is mixed and complex.

REFERENCE: https://www.academypublication.com/issues/past/jltr/vol04/05/jltr0405.pdf#page=71

ADDITIONAL RESOURCE 🖼️

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0G8qxLfQqIc&t=171s

🔄 Speech Convergence: We adjust our speech to sound more like those around us. A teacher simplifying their language for beginners? Classic example!

🚫 Speech Divergence: We stick to our original speech style (or even emphasize it) to highlight differences—like political leaders using their native language to make a statement.

💬 Language is more than words; it's connection, identity, and even resistance. How do you accommodate in conversations? Drop your thoughts below! ⬇️✨

EXAMPLES:

• Speech Convergence (Adapting to Connect)

1️⃣ 👶 Talking to a Toddler – An adult says, “Doggy! Look at the big doggy!” instead of “That is a large canine.” to make the language more engaging for a child.

2️⃣ ✈️ A Tourist in Italy – An American traveler in Rome starts using basic Italian phrases like “Grazie” and “Buongiorno” instead of English to build rapport with locals.

• Speech Divergence (Standing Out or Creating Distance)

1️⃣ 🇫🇷 A Proud French Speaker – A French diplomat continues speaking only in French at an international meeting, even though most participants use English, to assert cultural identity.

2️⃣ 🤖 Tech Geek in a Group Chat – A programmer keeps using technical jargon like “algorithmic complexity” when talking to non-tech friends, emphasizing expertise rather than adapting.

Yule (2010) highlights jargon as a key feature of register. Jargon consists of specialized terms used by people with shared interests or professions. An example is the medical register, where terms like Zanoxyn, a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug, are commonly used.

In the following box there is a video about register vs jorger

"Could you please tell me the address?" → Formal

"Hey, where is it?" → Informal

"According to linguistic studies, language varies depending on context." → Academic