AQA A-Level English Language key terms
Language diversity and change Key Terms
Study Language diversity and change with curriculum-aligned Key Terms resources, practice links, and exam-focused support.
At a glance
key terms
Resource type
Topic
Language diversity and change
Key terms
Dialect
A particular form of a language that is peculiar to a specific region or social group.
Idiolect
The speech habits peculiar to a particular person.
Standard English
The form of English that is accepted as the norm, often used in formal settings and education.
Code-switching
The practice of alternating between two or more languages or dialects in conversation.
Language Attitudes
The beliefs and feelings that people have about different languages or language varieties.
Language Change
The evolution of language over time, including shifts in vocabulary, grammar, and pronunciation.
Language Attitudes
The feelings and beliefs that people have about different languages or dialects.
Sociolinguistics
The study of how language varies and changes in social contexts.
Sociolect
A variety of language used by a particular social group.
Idiolect
The speech habits peculiar to a particular person.
Language Change
The evolution of language over time, including changes in vocabulary, grammar, and pronunciation.
Language Attitudes
The beliefs and feelings that people have about different languages or language varieties.
Sociolect
A variety of language used by a particular social group, often distinguished by vocabulary, grammar, and pronunciation.
Dialect
A regional or social variety of a language characterized by its own phonological, grammatical, and lexical features.
Idiolect
The unique language use of an individual, reflecting their personal experiences and social influences.
Code-Switching
The practice of alternating between two or more languages or dialects in conversation.
Sociolect
A variety of language used by a particular social group, reflecting their social identity and status.
Idiolect
The unique language use of an individual, shaped by personal experiences and social influences.
Geographical Variation
Differences in language use that arise from the geographical location of speakers.
Sociolect
A variety of language used by a particular social group, often influenced by factors such as class, education, and occupation.
Lexicon
The vocabulary of a language, including its words and expressions.
Pragmatics
The study of how context influences the interpretation of meaning in language.
Sociolect
A variety of language used by a particular social group, reflecting their identity and social status.
Idiolect
The unique language use of an individual, shaped by personal experiences and social influences.
Sociolect
A variety of language used by a particular social group.
Pidgin
A simplified form of speech formed from two or more languages.
Dialect
A regional variety of a language distinguished by features of vocabulary, grammar, and pronunciation.
Lexicon
The complete set of meaningful units in a language, including words and phrases.
Language Attitudes
The beliefs and feelings that people have about different languages or language varieties.
Language Change
The evolution of language over time, including changes in vocabulary, grammar, and pronunciation.
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