Reading Working Papers in Linguistics 4 (2000) - The University of ...

SOCIAL NETWORKS IN A RURAL SETTING
Testing Social Network Theory in a Rural Setting
Jonathan Marshall
Department of Linguistic Science, The University of Reading
Abstract. In this paper, we present a study of language change in process
in a Scots farming community. The study was designed to help us
understand the social ‘mechanisms’ and motivations involved in allowing
language change to occur. Established theories, such as Social Network
Theory, are tested alongside newer ones, such as Pedersen’s (1991)
adaptation of Højrup’s (1983b) theory of Life Modes, in which she sees
the degree of mental urbanisation as an important predictor of rural
people’s acquisition of urban speech norms.
1. Introduction
The subject of language change, and the social mechanisms involved, has
prompted much interest in language or dialect loss and shift. Researchers
have shown renewed interest in non-standard varieties and the changes
occurring in them. This has given important linguistic insights into the types
of area, social network, and social group in which language changes
originate and how diffusion occurs. Some studies of attitudes have tested for
correlations between attitudes and social (including linguistic) behaviour, but
the relationship between the two has not always been clear-cut. Some view
the individual as a semi-passive follower of norms which exist in the social
network in which he or she is ‘embedded’, while others see the individual as
the agent, one who acts with intent, and has the power of choice when it
comes to behaviour. The present study has taken what has been learnt in both
urban and rural sociolinguistic studies, and used it to test Social Network
Theory and some other sociolinguistic theories which have emerged in recent
years. In addition, the influence of certain other social factors, such as social
class, attitude to the dialect, and national pride are assessed.
123