10 variation, it is concluded as a part of sociolinguistics study. Slang is a non-
standard variation which is used in the casual speech. It is created and used widely by social group or age group that has a close relation Fromkin , Rodman
Hyams., 2011.
2. Language Variation
Language variation deals with the way speakers and groups of speakers can differ from each other in terms of the various forms of language that they use
Akmadjian, Demers, Farmer Harnish, 2010. To study language variation, linguists analyze the linguistic variables, including phonetic, phonological,
lexical, syntactic, semantic, and pragmatic variable Burton, Dechaine Vatikiotis-Bateson, 2012. Those variables show the differences of language.
They can help the linguists to identify the varieties that are used by the speakers. Language variation shows the differences of linguistics variable in the same
language. English has numbers of varieties. According to Fromkin, Rodman, and
Hyams 2003, the diversity is developed when the language users are separated geographically and socially. Holmes 2001 classifies the variation into Standard
English and non-standard English based on the social status. Standard English is a variation that is regarded as an official form of English. Generally, a standard
language has undergone some process of regularization or codification by recording the language in dictionary Holmes, 2001. Thus, standard language
11 becomes the ratified measurement of the correct grammar, vocabulary, and
pronunciation. The use of standard English is found commonly in formal situation.
According to Holmes 2001, standard variation serves the H function. It means that standard variation is applied as the official communication vehicle in the
court Holmes, 2001. Moreover, Holmes 2001 states that standard form is used in the news broadcast and in print also in the educational domain, such as schools
and universities. Standard language that is used as the language instruction in school is
regarded as prestigious language Holmes, 2001. The users of standard language are considered as educated men because the standard variation is acquired in
educational environment. People who use this variation are remarked as highly educated and come from high social class. Therefore, standard dialect is regarded
as prestigious dialect Fromkin, Rodman, and Hyams, 2003. The use of standard language indicates the level of social status and educational back-ground. Holmes
2001 states that people see the standard language speakers are well-educated and come from high social status. Vice versa, this feature is not found in non-standard
language. Non-standard variation is a language form which is not ratified. It is
against the rule of standard language. It engages the use of inappropriate vocabulary, grammar, and pronunciation according to the codified language.
Holmes 2001 states, “non-standard forms are associated with the speech of less
12 prestigious social group, the label inevitability acquires negative connotation”
p.133. According to Chambers, Trudgill, and Schilling-Estes 2007 standard speech is associated as high quality manner which is employed in the formal
situation such as educational and white collar work environment also cultural institution but slang as the non-standard typed communicates the low quality
manner. The use of non-
standard vocabulary, like slang, shows someone‟s social class. People from upper social class will use different vocabulary with those who
come from lower social class Holmes, 2001. Meanwhile, the members of lower class use less prestigious vocabulary. The upper social class members tend to use
the standard variety in their speech. They do not only apply the correct grammar but also standard vocabulary. Meanwhile, the lower class members, such as
criminals, apply more non-standard language. According to Holmes 2001, English variation is not only determined by
social status, but also by age, gender and regional. This idea is supported by Burton, Dechaine, and Vatikiotis-Bateson 2012 who state that origin, age, social
status, gender and sex are numbers of factors that cause the variation in language. The clearest variation in English is showed by regional variation. Holmes 2001
classifies regional variation into two types, namely: international varieties and intra
–national or intra-continental variation e.g. British English variation in Yorkshire and London.
13 In English, international variety is exemplified by the distinction of British
English and American English. The differences exist in their pronunciation, vocabulary, and grammar Holmes, 2001. This phenomenon does not only occur
between British and American English. It is also discovered in other countries which use English as their first language. For example, the differences are also
found among British English, American English, Canadian English, Australian English, Singaporean English, and New Zealand English.
The international varieties are not only represented by standard variation, but also by slang. Regional variety classifies slang into particular types based on
the area Mattiello, 2008. Eble 1996 says some slang words are associated with certain area. English slang in one country may differ to other countries. For
example, bloke is used in British and Americans use guy to refer „a man‟ Eble,
1996. The distinctions are possibly laid on the meaning of the same slang word as well. In United Kingdom, the terms of baby buggy
is used to denote „a mini metro car‟ whilst it means „a convertible Volkswagen beetle‟ in America Dalzell
Victor, 2007. In the regional variation the distinction is discovered in the slang terms to denote particular object. Ayto 1998 reveals the British slang speakers
use johnnies as slang words for „condom‟. Meanwhile, it is called scumbag by the
American slang speakers Ayto, 1998.
3. Language change
