Language and Identity

Standard English:

• Prestige dialect
• Formal register
• Language of power
• Suggestion of class/academia

Usually expected from authority figures and in professions to signify status. Stereo-typically occupations which are associated with working class, such as builders, would use non-standard English. 

Slang: 

• Informal words/phrases

Usually used around friends and in social groups. It would be abnormal if used in a professional setting.

Dialect:

• Lexical features or variations in grammar

These are words specific to an area such as "gert lush" being related to Bristol.

Taboo:

• Lexical choices which can be offensive

Taboo, such as swearing, are considered inappropriate and unacceptable by some.

Technology influenced words/phrases:

• Words/phrases influenced by technological use of social media

Examples of this are tweets, texts and any other type of instant messages. This can be words like "selfie".

Neologisms:

• New words entering the English language

Also know as coinage. Examples of this are "selfie", "twerking" and "bae".

Occupational register:

• Shared language between certain groups or individuals

This can be between work colleagues who share a use of occupational lexis such as chefs.

Received pronunciation:

• The standard form of English pronunciation
• Language of power

There are connotations of being well educated if you have a received pronunciation. It can often be used to teach English to others.

Regional accent:

•  An accent which differs depending on where you are from

A regional accent is not necessarily associated with a particular area.