Category: Linguistics

  • Basil Bernstein’s Language Code Theory: Explained

    Basil Bernstein’s Language Code Theory, Basil Bernstein is the first sociologist to connect the disciplines of sociology and linguistics within the field of education. Being an educator and a sociologist in 19th century Britain, he took the chance to observe the performances of the working-class and middle-class children and came up with the theory about…

  • Sociology of Language: Theories and Examples

    Synopsis: This article explores the cultural significance of language in society. The article then discusses language as a form of cultural capital and the ways in which different groups of people experience language, as well as how language influences quality of life. Finally, the article discusses ways in which marginalized communities empower themselves through reclaiming…

  • Jacque Derrida’s Deconstruction Theory – Explained

    Synopsis: Deconstruction theory, derived from the works of philosopher Jacques Derrida, is a theory of literary analysis that opposes the assumptions of structuralism. Its primary purpose is to discern the relationship between text and meaning. In performing this task, deconstruction theory is critical of the structuralist ideas of logocentrism and binary oppositions and instead seeks…

  • Introduction to sociolinguistics: An Overview

    Have you ever wondered if a language was something greater than just a means of communication? Language, indeed, isn’t just a means of communication but a whole subject in itself. It delves around issues one wouldn’t have thought that language could address. Before we dive into sociolinguistics, let us understand the etymology of it. Socio,…

  • Who is Noam Chomsky and what is he known for?

    Noam Chomsky is a famous American cognitive scientist, linguist, analytic philosopher and socio-political critic. He is widely considered “the father of modern linguistics”. Noam Chomsky: Early Life and Education Avram Noam Chomsky was born in Philadelphia, U.S.A on December 7, 1928. His parents were Ashkenazi Jewish immigrants and prominent scholars. Chomsky attended a progressive elementary…

  • What is Linguistics: Meaning, Scope, Branches, Types and Career

    Linguistics refers to the scientific study of language. The word ‘linguistics’ is derived from the Latin words ‘lingua’ meaning ‘tongue’ and ‘istics’ meaning ‘knowledge’.  According to the Cambridge Dictionary, linguistics refers to ‘the scientific study of the structure and development of language in general or of particular languages’. The study of linguistics comes from the…