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Comparative Survey, Descriptive Research

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  Comparative survey research is a type of descriptive survey where it aims to compare the status of two or more variable, institutions, strategies etc. This technique often uses multiple disciplines in one study.This does not only compare different groups but also same group over time.Few points are to be kept in mind before starting the comparative survey. ·        Comparison Points -The research should be very clear regarding the points to be compared. This can also be identified through review of literature and experience of experts. ·        Assumption of Similarities -  One has to be clear about the similarities the two variable hold. If the researcher do not find this there is no point of comparison. Criteria of Comparison - The researcher has to identify the criteria of comparison keeping in mind the fairness and objectivity. Appropriate tools has to be identified for measurement of criterion variables. Comparative survey research is carried on when the researcher cannot
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Sociolinguistics and Variation in Language

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Schooling vs Education                    Different forms of Academic Discipline

Education vs Learning              Concept of Privatization in Indian Education System

History of Eng;lish Language

Feminism and Feminist Theory

Sociolinguistics is a meeting ground for linguists and social scientists. Broadly speaking, it studies the language variation of society. Sociolinguists believe that language is dynamic and not static. Variation is an inherent property of language and language variation can be investigated at any level- phonological, morphological, syntactic etc. It may also vary due to number of factors like geographical boundaries, age, education, sex, caste and social context. Sociolinguists try to examine and explain linguistic variation in terms of personal, geographical or social reasons.

      Considering social context, it is found that sociolinguistic reality of a homogenous society (eg: America) is different from heterogeneous society ( eg: India). This is because India is a country with diverse language. And, it is not unusual for any Indian to maintain multiple identities. Taking an example, a native of Jharkhand is speaking Santhali (Mundari, Kharia etc) with his family members, Hindi with his friends and English in office. Thus, social context is most important in sociolinguistics.

      Next is the group identity. Every person creates their own identity (linguistically) in different groups. Acting upon the individual differences each and every person interprets the same situation (experience) in different ways. Therefore, the amount of variation in the language depends upon the group identity and individualism. For eg: If a person says ‘We are talking’, other may perhaps say ‘We are talkin’ and maybe the third might say ‘We are taaking’.

      Moreover, the language of the rich is often considered as a standard form. People at the cost of their own language start learning and speaking standard variety for upward social mobility. Hence, a matter of concern arises for sociolinguists.

Perhaps, a language according to socio-linguistics is a Code. And, there exist varieties within the Code.

CODE: The total organization of various linguistic components in a language is the code of that language. Major varieties in a code are:-

  • ·  Dialect and Sociolect: Dialect is a variation of language sufficiently different (in pronunciation, grammar & vocabulary) to be considered a separate entity within a language but not different enough to be classed as a separate language. Eg: Avadhi, Khari boli are the dialects of Hindi.

Sociolect is spoken by the members of a particular group of a speech community.

  • · Registers: Registers are stylistic-functional varieties of a dialect or language according to situations and speakers. For eg:  A teacher speaks in different ways when communicating with his/her parents, children, colleagues, students, strangers etc.
  • ·  Idiolect: By idiolect we mean individual’s personal variety of the community language system, including peculiarities of grammar, vocabulary and pronunciation.
  • · Diglossia: The use of two widely divergent forms (i.e. dialects) of the same language by all members of the community under different conditions is called diglossia. Here, one of the dialects is given higher status and is used in specialised activities like official work, education, law, literature etc. And, the other one is used in non-specialised daily activities.
  • ·  Pidgin: English language of the British when came in contact with indigenous people of the imperialist countries was reluctantly adapted by them with local adaptations and additions. This new code which is no one’s mother tongue and contains elements from numerous languages is called Pidgin.
  • ·  Creole: Slowly and gradually Pidgin becomes the language of personal and informal interaction besides being used in work place. It then passes on to the new generation as their mother tongue. A functional switch of language takes place and when this happens Pidgin becomes Creole.

Therefore, the analysis done by sociolinguistics is certainly not easy. It is partly empirical and partly theoretical. This is carried out on an adequate data base like censuses, documents, surveys and interviews. However, the conclusion is entirely based on evidence and scientific analysis.

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