Idiolect – Short Notes
Definition: The language system of an individual, shown in the way they speak or write within the larger language system is known as idiolect.
Also called individual dialect.
Key Features:
- Unique to one person; differs in pronunciation, grammar, vocabulary, accent, tone, and style.
- No two individuals speak exactly alike, even in the same language.
- Helps identify a person by their speech patterns.
- A dialect is made up of the idiolects of many individuals in a community.
- Represents personal variation within the community language system.
- Causes of Variation:
- Personal vocabulary choice.
- Pronunciation habits.
- Grammar usage.
- Voice quality, pitch, rhythm.
Example:
Recognising someone’s voice and speech style (e.g., knowing it’s Hari, Sita, or Mina by the way they talk).