The document discusses different language varieties such as dialects, sociolects, idiolects, slang, jargon, pidgins, and creoles. It provides definitions and examples of each variety. Dialects are geographical variations while sociolects are based on social factors. An idiolect is an individual's unique speech patterns. Slang and jargon involve informal or technical vocabulary respectively. Pidgins are contact languages without native speakers, and creoles develop from pidgins when they become a community's native language. The document also defines linguistic registers as variations in formality of language used in different social contexts.

2. Language variety, also called lect, is a
generic term for any distinctive form of a
language or linguistic expression
(Nordquist, 2018). It is a term that
encompasses the subcategories.

3. Nordquist (2018) adds that varieties of language
develop for a number of reasons. One reason
points to geography where people living in
different geographic areas tend to develop distinct
dialects. Other reasons have to do with social class,
occupation and age group. Further, one obvious
reason for the variation is the necessity for an ease
of interaction (www.nou.edu.ng)

4. Dialect
Sociolect
Idiolect
Slang
Jargons
Pidgins
Creole
Register

5. The term dialect refers to a geographical variant of a
language (Hickey, 2012). It is a variety of a language
spoken by a group of people that is characterized by
systematic features that distinguishes it from other
varieties of that same language. Further, it is a variation
of a language that is characteristic of the users of that
language (Solano-Flores, 2006).

6. Sociolect, on the other hand, also known as a social
dialect, is a variety of language used by a
socioeconomic class, a profession, an age group, or
any other social group (Nordquist, 2018).
According to Lewandowski (2010), it is a lect
which is thought of as being related to its
speakers’ social background rather than
geographical background.

7. An idiolect is the distinctive speech pattern of an individual. It is
a language variety peculiar to a single speaker of a language
which includes vocabulary appropriate to various interests and
activities, pronunciation reflective of the region in which you live,
and variable styles of speaking that shift subtly depending on
whom one is addressing.
A person's idiolect also includes the levels of diction or language
that he or she uses in different social situations.

8. Slang refers to words that are not considered part
of the standard vocabulary of a language and that
are used very informally in speech especially by a
particular group of people (Merriam-Webster,
2018). It is characterized as a very informal
language variety that includes new terms and
sometimes not polite words and meanings.

9. Jargon is a set of technical vocabulary, typically nouns
(e.g., plaintiff, syllabus), associated with a specific area of
work or interest. Lawyers, teachers and linguists have
technical language that is not understood easily outside
of their profession. Yule (2017) proposes that it is the
learning of appropriate jargon of a profession that
qualifies an individual as a valid professional within that
area of expertise.

10.  Pidgins, according to Ozuorcun (2014) are simplified languages that
occur from two or more languages. Pidgins are developed by people
who do not have a common language to communicate in the same
geographical area.
 Yule (2017) adds that a language described as a pidgin is often
discussed as “contact” language that developed for some practical
purpose, such as trading, among groups of people who had a lot of
contact, but who did not know each other’s languages.
 As such, Wardaugh (2006) calls it nobody’s first language/mother
tongue because it doesn’t have any native speakers; it is just used as
a contact language for communication purposes.

11.  In contrast to a pidgin, a creole is often defined as a pidgin that
has become the first language of a new generation of speakers.
 Aitchison (1994) as cited by Wardaugh (2006) says that creoles
arise when pidgins become mother tongues. A creole, therefore,
is a ‘normal’ language in almost every sense.
 A creole is a pidgin which has expanded in structure and
vocabulary to express the range of meanings and serve the
range of functions required of a first language.
 A creole, Yule (2017) explains, initially develops as the first
language of children growing up in a pidgin-using community
and becomes more complex as it serves more communicative
purposes.

12. Examples of creoles include “Manglish” (Malaysian
English), “Singlish” (Singaporean English) and “Taglish”
(Tagalog English). Pidgins and creoles serve the
purpose of communicating among people groups who
have different languages. With time a pidgin may
become a creole if native speakers of a pidgin develop.

13. In linguistics, the register is defined as the way a speaker
uses language differently in different circumstances.
Think about the words you choose, your tone of voice, even
your body language. You probably behave very differently
chatting with a friend than you would at a formal dinner
party or during a job interview.
These variations in formality, also called stylistic
variation, are known as registers in linguistics. They are
determined by such factors as social occasion,
context, purpose, and audience.

14. 1. `Frozen or “static” register: At this level, language is literally “frozen” in
time and form. It does not change. This type of language is often learned
and repeated by rote. Examples include biblical verse, prayers, the
Pledge of Allegiance, and so forth.
2. Formal register: This style is impersonal and often follows a prescriptive
format. The speaker uses complete sentences, avoids slang and may use
technical or academic vocabulary. It is likely that the speaker will use
fewer contractions, but opt instead for complete words. (Example: “have
not” instead of “haven’t”). This is the register used for most academic
and scientific publishing. It also includes business letters, letters of
complaint, some essays, reports, official speeches, announcements, and
professional emails.

15. 3. Consultative register: This is the register used when consulting
an expert such as a doctor. The language used is more precise.
The speaker is likely to address the expert by a title such as
“Doctor,” “Mr.” or “Mrs.”
4. Casual/Informal Register: This register is conversational in
tone. It is the language used among and between friends. Words
are general, rather than technical. This register may include
more slang and colloquialisms. Personal e-mails, phone texts,
short notes, friendly letters, most blogs, diaries and journals
make use of casual register.
5. Intimate register: This is the language used by close friends
and partners. It is also the language used in sexual harassment.
This is the most intimate form of language. It is best avoided in
public and professional situations.