A SOCIO LINGUISTIC ANALYSIS OF THE USE OF DEROGATORY WORDS ON WOMEN (A CASE STUDY OF IKEJA LOCAL GOVERNMENT AREA OF LAGOS STATE)
CHAPTER ONE
INTRODUCTION
BACKGROUND OF THE STUDY
Sociolinguistics cannot be defined without the language use and the society’s feedback to it. Sociolinguistics can be defined as the study of the correlation between language and society, of language variation, and of attitudes about language. It is said to be an arm of science of linguistics that studies how language and culture are linked to each other, and the usage of language in diverse social contexts. Okeke identified it as a study of the correlation between
language and social factors. It is the study of the sociological factors related to the use of language, including gender, race, and class, to mention but a few. Form the definitions above, we have seen and understood that sociolinguistics is an area of study that links sociology with linguistics and each of them cannot do without each other. It is an arm of sociology and which is concerned with how language use is a determined by a given society’s linguistic
requirements. Every society has linguistic set of laws acknowledged for communication and interaction. With the help of Sociolinguistics, we know how different
groups in a specific society are separated by some social variables such as ethnicity, religion, status, gender, level of education, age, etc. and how these variables is used to categorize individuals in social class or socio-economic classes. The social study of language is a modern linguistic pattern because the modern linguists were the first to acknowledge and accept the language and its nature. Derogatory words and languages on women are belittling and degrading words that are used to express a lack of respect for women such as bitch, cow, fish,
etc.In Language usage, we use language as much as it uses. This is applicable to how our choice of forms of expression is led by the thoughts we wish to express, in the same manner the way we feel about the things in the real world governs the way we express ourselves about these things.
Significantly, language is one of the major, noticeable elements in the human life which is used to reach or achieve numerous social and cultural objectives.
In speech, some linguistics items areseen as being normal, elegant and pleasing. Howbeit, derogatory words specifically are notconsidered as acceptable
speech forms of the conservative speakers of a language. Nevertheless, language portrays the culture of its users and, at the same time, it is acted and changed by it. Language shows the social values and completely differentiates between the male and female world, because men and women are meant to use different styles in their communication. For this reason, every individual needs a linguistic code for the purpose of sharing his/her special experiences.
Derogatory is explained as being correlated with behavior which is believed to be totally forbidden and also known as immoral behavior. Derogatory as we
know work hand in hand with behaviour and it’scompletely prohibited. In language, derogatory is related with things which are not said, and on the other
hand with words and expressions which are not used. Derogatory words most times cause shame and anxiety, as they can send a number of signals such as anger, frustration and happiness. Oen times people use them on purpose just to achieve several sorts of personal and interpersonal outcomes that may be either positive or negative in terms of their influence on others. As far as the former is concerned, a speaker may avoid a physical struggle when he insults the
others. This act may help him at least to relieve his anger, as it may grease the feeling of the others and as such exchange of words and on rare occasions, physical fight, specifically with women. Most users of English Language know the codes of derogatory words and as well observe the rules. Stepping on these rules may lead to dissatisfaction and
more. The use of a derogatory word can lead to all manner of unwanted responses and also physical legal and illegal violence. Once the code of derogatory is violated, the penalty for breaking it can be severed but is hardly cost one his or her life.On this premise, acts of human excretion and sexual intercourse are to be avoided in polite conversation. Age and salary should also be avoided in English conversation. However, if they must be mentioned, they should be in a mild or pleasant way. Therefore it is salient for a foreign language learner to acquaint himself with such knowledge.
