Introduction

We are often encouraged to think of a language as if it were a homogenous entity. This impression is confirmed by the strong pressures, notably nowadays from the educational system, towards conformity to national norms or standards, especially in written language. However, linguists observe that languages which are still spoken are always in a state of change. To some extent this is because of various pressures to speak in certain ways. The language of a national high-status group is not the only one which enjoys prestige in a country. There are other allegiances to be demonstrated and confirmed through language. Most speakers are able to vary their accent and even within one person the consistency implied by standardisation will be very hard to find. The readings in this section clarify these issues. They also examine the factors of a social or political nature which contribute to the adoption of certain forms or varieties of language.