The phenomenon of language variation linked to social groups is called?

The phenomenon of language variation linked to social groups is called?

• A. Sociolect
• B. Dialect
• C. Idiolect
• D. Patois

Answer: (A)

Sociolect is the term for language variation that arises from social group membership—factors like class, age, gender, ethnicity, or occupation shape how people talk. This kind of variation signals group identity and can affect vocabulary choices, pronunciation, and even grammar.

Dialects are typically about regional or geographic differences, not social group references. Idiolect refers to an individual's unique way of speaking. Patois describes a nonstandard or regional variety that may be stigmatized or tied to a specific community, but it doesn’t specifically denote variation due to social group membership in the same precise way sociolect does.