Language, as a form of social behaviour,
presents different variations according to the
context of its application, the community
applying it, and the degree of formality
demanded by the communicative situation.
Research about these variations concerns
Sociolinguistics. As it is true for the studies
regarding native languages, according to
Parâmetros Curriculares Nacionais (BRASIL,
2000), foreign language classes should,
among other things, help students develop an
ability to identify different linguistic variants,
consequently making them grow more
capable of communicating in various contexts.
Considering Sociolinguistics and the
importance of studying linguistic variants in
English as a foreign language, it is right do
affirm that:
I - Sociolinguistics focuses on the patterns of
linguistic behaviour observable within a
community of speech, recognizing language
as a social reality.
II - Addressing English linguistic variations is
essential for it sheds a light on peripheral
cultures and peoples who are generally set
aside during English teaching and learning.
III - Sociolinguistics has to do with the
relationship established between languages
and societies and, therefore, it is right to say
that it is more relevant for Brazilians to learn
the American variation, given the economic
and politic relationship that Brazil established
with the U.S.A.
IV - Only standard English should be studied, as knowing other linguistic variants of the
language represents no benefit to the learner
during communication.