Abstract
‘Varieties’ investigates how language varies according to region, discussing regional and social dialects, and how language varies according to use. It considers how Scots, one of several languages spoken in Scotland, differs from both Standard English and Scottish Standard English, although it has much in common. Although pronunciation is the most obvious area of difference, there are many variations between Scots and Standard English grammar and lexicon. Is Scots a dialect of English, or a language in its own right? The linguistic evidence points both ways. The difference between dialects and accents is considered as well as dialect grammars and vocabulary, and emergence of new varieties associated with electronic communication.
