To define the
term Sociolinguistics, we have to define the both of the terms Socio and
Linguistics. Socio means ‘of society’ and Linguistics means ‘the scientific
study of language’. If we describe both together, it means the scientific study
of the language of the society.
It suggests that
language and society are inter-related. Sociolinguistics observes the society and
the things which bring changes in the society. As culture traditions, laws and
all ups and downs, those can be affected on language.
Definitions Of Language
Language has no
perfect or particular definition. Every expert has defined language from his
point of view. Anthropologist has defined language through anthropology;
sociologist has defined it through sociology and philosopher has defined it
through philosophy. Some of the examples are given below:
According to Britannica
Encyclopedia, “Language is a system of conversational spoken or written symbols
by means of which human-being as members of social group and participants in
its culture communicate”.
Henry Sweet
defines language as, “Language may be defined as expression of thought by means
of speech sounds”.
J. Whatmogh
describes language, “Language is human verbal systematic symbolism by means of
transmitting information and from of social behavior with a high degree of
convention”.
“A language is a symbol system based on pure
or arbitrary conventions infinitely extendable and modifiable according to the changing
needs and conditions of the speakers”. (R.H. Robbins).
Mario and Frank
has described language as, “A system of communication by sound, i.e. through
the organs of speech and hearing among human-beings of a certain groups or
community, using vocal symbols, possessing arbitrary conventional meaning.
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