Spoken Language is a core part of GCSE English Language. Revise the key concepts and common mistakes below, then lock them in with the free games.
Key concepts
Standard EnglishThe 'official' grammar/vocabulary variety of English
AccentHow a person pronounces words
DialectWords and grammar typical of a region
SociolectLanguage variety of a social group
IdiolectAn individual person's unique way of speaking
Received PronunciationThe 'BBC' / prestige accent of English
CodeswitchingSwitching between varieties or languages mid-talk
AccommodationAdjusting your speech to match listeners
ConvergenceMoving your speech CLOSER to others
DivergenceMoving your speech AWAY from others
Covert prestigeStatus gained by using non-standard forms
Overt prestigeStatus from using the 'standard' high-status form
PrescriptivismBelief there's a 'correct' English everyone should use
DescriptivismBelief linguists should describe how English IS used
Common mistakes to avoid
Questions where students often pick the tempting wrong answer — make sure you know the right one:
What does analysing non-fiction involve?✗ Summarising what the text says. ✓ Examining how language and structure achieve the writer's purpose.
Does using longer words always improve writing?✗ Yes, the longer the words the better. ✓ No — clear, precise words suited to purpose and audience matter more.
Practise Spoken Language — free games
Test yourself with these quick revision games for this topic:
See all 17 games in the Subjects Arcade →
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