Dive into the world of phonology and linguistics with Dr. Nicole Holliday as she discusses intonational phonology, African American Language, cultural appropriation, and the debate on the best rapper. Explore the nuances of language, identity, and societal perceptions, while also touching on vocal fry, valley girl accents, and linguistic discrimination. Follow along for an engaging and educational conversation on the power of language and communication.
Intonational phonology involves studying how tones and pitch in speech help construct identities.
Linguistic tolerance challenges the notion of a 'proper' English, promoting appreciation of language variation.
Code-switching reflects social influences on language evolution and the impact of online trends on linguistic styles.
Deep dives
The Significance of Intonational Phonology
Intonational phonology is the study of the pitches used to convey different meanings in speech, such as asking a question or being sarcastic. Understanding how gender identity and racial background influence our communication and bonding with others is a fascinating and complex topic.
The Influence of Social Factors on Language Variation
Language variation, including accents and dialects, is influenced by social factors and socialization. Linguists strive to promote linguistic tolerance and challenge the idea that there is a 'proper' form of English. Teaching students linguistics as a descriptive science can help them understand and appreciate the natural variation in language.
Exploring Code-Switching and Linguistic Identity
Code-switching, which involves switching conversational tones depending on the context, is a common linguistic practice, particularly within diverse communities. The linguistic trends and styles used by young people, especially online, often shape language evolution. The Internet has also raised questions about cultural appropriation and social judgments based on linguistic features.
Vocal fry as a way to lower the register of women's voices
Vocal fry may be a way for women to lower the register of their voices and appear more authoritative. This increase in vocal fry prevalence in recent decades could be seen as an effort to gain equal treatment and challenge gender biases.
Language variation and code-switching in different communities
Language variation is influenced by social contagion, with communities converging and diverging based on interactions. Various communities adopt certain language styles as aspirational identities. Code-switching is a survival strategy for individuals navigating between different social worlds, such as black students adjusting their speech patterns in academia versus their home communities.
Vocal fry. Code switching. Black Twitter. Valley girls. Culture vultures. WE'RE TALKING ABOUT TALKING. Alie battles traffic to sit down with linguistics professor Dr. Nicole Holliday about intonational phonology: how tones and pitch help us bond with others and construct identities. Inspired in part by former President Barack Obama's masterful linguistic variability, Dr. Holliday's work focuses on how language is used in the crossing and construction of racial/ethnic boundaries. She graciously fielded tons of questions for a fascinating dive into the nuances and strict grammatical rules of African American Language, cultural appropriation, our educational system, honoring your identity, what not to wear in Paris and the roiling debate over who is the best rapper. Also: Alie is maybe a lizard person.
Follow Dr. Nicole Holliday @MixedLinguist on Twitter and Instagram