Connecting linguistic variation and non-linguistic behaviour

Abstract

Abstract This paper reviews well-established results from sociolinguistics and social psychology, presents recent results at the interface of the two, and argues that – together – the literature predicts unexplored interactions between non-linguistic behavioural patterns and linguistic variation. It is well documented in sociolinguistics that individuals shift their speech patterns in response to their interlocutors and environment, and that this can sometimes be quite subtle and automatic. That is – speech can be affected by environmental primes. We explore the degree to which speech may also act as a prime. Results from the social psychology literature suggest that linguistic choices should have consequences for our non-linguistic behaviours (such as claimed attitudes, or physical movements). Behavioural experiences throughout our lives might also shape and influence our linguistic repertoires. We present a range of literature related to this question, and present some preliminary evidence that speech can indeed act as a behavioural prime.