LANGUAGE FUNCTION AND LANGUAGE VARIATION: ANALYTIC MODELS FOR THE SOUTH AFRICAN CONTEXT

Abstract

This article presents two typologies (or those interested in the study of language in its social context, focusing first on the functions of language and second on the nature and analysis of language variation. In the discussion of the functions or uses of language, six distinct language functions are identified. Language variation is presented in terms of phonological, syntactic and lexical variation as a consequence of such variables as geography, social class and education, gender, ethnicity and age. Examples from the South African context are given throughout the article.