In this engaging video from CrashCourse, Taylor, the presenter, delves into the fascinating subject of sociolinguistics – the study of how our use of language is influenced by and forms an integral part of our identities.
This video is part of a series on linguistics, and this specific episode focuses on how aspects like upbringing, location, and societal dynamics influence the way we speak.
This article aims to summarize the key points from the video, offer deeper insights into the subject, and provide practical tips on how to understand and appreciate language diversity.
➡️ Guess What? You Have an Accent Too
The video begins with Taylor emphasizing that everyone, regardless of their background or geographical location, has an accent. An accent is an inherent part of our identity, shaped by factors such as upbringing, location, and societal dynamics.
Taylor points out that language doesn’t just affect formal settings like school or work — it also colors daily experiences, like a simple trip to the store. The way we talk is deeply intertwined with how we see ourselves and how others perceive us.
➡️ How Dialects Shape Who We Are
Taylor explains that dialects are language varieties tied to specific groups of people, not just regions. While early dialectologists focused heavily on mapping regional differences, modern studies use interviews, online surveys, and social media data to understand how language varies.
She shares a personal example: growing up in Wisconsin, she called a school drinking fountain a “bubbler,” but when she moved to New York, she had to adapt and call it a “water fountain.” Yet, when talking to family back home, she naturally switches back. This shows how flexible and context-dependent dialect use can be.
Taylor also mentions that signed languages have dialects, such as BANZSL — a group that includes British, Australian, New Zealand, and South African Sign Languages.
➡️ Why Your Friends Secretly Influence How You Speak
The influence of our social networks on our language choices cannot be underestimated. Taylor explains that it’s not just about demographics — like age, race, or class — but also about the people we spend the most time with.
For instance, if most of your friends are significantly older or younger than you, you might end up adopting their speech patterns. Taylor shares that her time on Tumblr and YouTube in the early 2010s even influenced her speech, like saying “LOL” out loud.
She also discusses how social media lets linguists graph people’s real-life social connections, helping them study how networks shape language today, beyond traditional demographic groups.
➡️ Switching How You Speak? It’s Natural — But It Can Lead to Discrimination
Taylor introduces the concept of code-switching — when people adjust their speech depending on who they’re talking to. She shares how she code-switches between African American English (AAE) and Standard American English depending on her social setting.
However, code-switching isn’t always harmless. Taylor highlights how certain accents or dialects can lead to linguistic discrimination, particularly in areas such as housing and job markets. Studies have shown that renters with a “Black-sounding” accent are more likely to be turned away compared to those using a “white-sounding” accent.
➡️ How We Can Fight Language Bias and Celebrate Every Voice
The video ends by emphasizing the need to recognize the full grammatical complexity of all dialects, especially those like African American English that are marginalized.
Taylor shares a study where the grammatical feature known as habitual be (common in AAE) was tested using Cookie Monster and Elmo. Black children who spoke AAE correctly understood the habitual action implied by “Who be eating cookies?” — showing that AAE grammar is just as sophisticated as any other form of English.
Taylor also warns about cultural appropriation: while elements of AAE often get adopted as “trendy” in pop culture, Black speakers still face discrimination for using their native dialects. It’s a painful double standard.
She stresses that as we learn more about language, we have a responsibility to fight linguistic discrimination — and to promote compassion, respect, and appreciation for every voice.
➡️ The Strange Effect of Being Watched: The Observer’s Paradox
When people know they are being studied, they often change the way they speak. This challenge is known as the Observer’s Paradox in sociolinguistics.
One famous example comes from the 1960s, when linguist William Labov wanted to study the classic New York City accent, where the “r” sound is often dropped after vowels.
Instead of using a formal lab setting, Labov visited a fancy department store, a mid-range store, and a bargain store. In each one, he casually asked salespeople where he could find a department on the “fourth floor,” listening carefully to how they pronounced “fourth” and “floor.”
Labov noticed that staff at the more upscale store were more likely to pronounce the “r,” a feature associated with sounding prestigious. He also found that when asked to repeat themselves, salespeople in all three stores were more likely to pronounce the “r” carefully, showing how people adjust their speech based on social expectations and awareness.
Labov’s work demonstrated how pronunciation can shift depending on social class and context, and how careful speech can mask everyday linguistic habits.
Hey fellow Linguaholics! It’s me, Marcel. I am the proud owner of linguaholic.com. Languages have always been my passion and I have studied Linguistics, Computational Linguistics and Sinology at the University of Zurich. It is my utmost pleasure to share with all of you guys what I know about languages and linguistics in general.