Define and discuss the relationship between language variation, Essay

Define and discuss the relationship between language variation, language attitudes and linguistic discrimination, drawing on specific examples from past research - Essay Example To this end the paper will examine the relationship between language variation, language attitudes and linguistic discrimination. In order to attain this end, the following objectives will be explored: Language variation is the â€Å"differences in systems of a language that result from historical, geographic, social and fundamental changes. This affects a dialect and divides up a language to sub-groups†1. Language variation therefore signifies the ways and systems through which people who speak the same language vary the way they speak and convey ideas and communication through a peculiar or specific approach to conveying their messages. Language variation therefore hinges on the fact that different people have different approaches and different processes of presenting their information and message and this varies from person to person. In throwing more light on the essence of language variation, Thomson identifies that â€Å"language is a historical entity. It is intended to communication ideas and concepts. Variations are persuasive and change with time†2. Thomson’s view of language variation has to do with the fact that language is meant to present ideas and concepts. And within time and space, these concepts and ideas might vary and change as per the changes and modifications in the society. Hence, there are different variations and different approaches and processes through which this communication is carried out and through which different people have and build different views on presenting their ideas and concepts. To add more explanations to this, it can be said that homogeneity in society and in perceptions in the human race is fiction3. This implies that language, which is a product of the wider society within which people lives is bound to be as heterogeneous as the society within which it is used. Therefore, linguistic variation allows linguistics to study about the different versions and different processes that influences and