La notion de variation dans le langage : quelques repères

Abstract

This opening chapter reviews central dimensions in the analysis of linguistic variation. The existence of linguistic variation runs counter to the structuralist idea of a homogeneous linguistic system. It illustrates the social dimension of language, as the contrast with idiolectal practices shows. Linguistic variation correlates with the different groups to which each speaker is affiliated to, and affiliation claims can be performed by use of variables. The perspectives offered by Network Sociolinguistics developed by Lesley Milroy are considered in view of a recent study of the diachrony of French. The use of corpora to assess social networks that underlie historical variation is the theme explored in the contributions to this issue that are each introduced.

Keywords

• sociolinguistics
• Variation
• network sociolinguistics
• diffusion of diachronic change