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Linguistic Variable: History
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A linguistic variable is an abstract unit of linguistic analysis that represents a set of alternative linguistic forms that perform the same function or convey the same meaning within a particular linguistic context [1]. In sociolinguistics, a linguistic variable consists of a variable linguistic feature and its possible variants, where the selection among variants may correlate with social, contextual, or stylistic factors [1]. The concept distinguishes between the underlying variable feature, which is the analytical category used by researchers, and the observable variants, which are the actual forms produced in speech or writing [2]. Linguistic variables are typically examined as patterns of structured variation rather than as instances of random or individual differences in language use.

  • linguistic variation
  • sociolinguistics
  • language change
  • linguistic variables

Linguistics and Language Analysis • Language and Linguistics • Arts and Humanities • Social Sciences

References

  1. Elizabeth Closs Traugott; William Labov, Sociolinguistic patterns. (Conduct and Communication, 4.) Philadelphia: University of Pennsylvania Press, 1972.. Lang. Soc. 1975, 4, 89-107, 10.1017/s0047404500004528.
  2. Tagliamonte, S. A. 2012. Variationist Sociolinguistics: Change, Observation, Interpretation. Wiley-Blackwell. https://content.e-bookshelf.de/media/reading/L-600101-0cf3788f5c.pdf
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