Sociolinguistics

Idiolect is the unique way each of us has of using language. E.g. personal slang use, accent, dialect, mumbling, speaking quickly, specific lexical choices.

Sociolect is the characteristic language of a particuar group (teachers, teenagers, computer experts, chavs, etc.)

Speech community - a group who share a similar social experience, so have similar vocabulary grammar. E.g. fans of heavy metals; members of an isolated Scottish island community; work.

Social context - where you are and…