Chapter 12
Language variation and standardization
Assignment 6
There are two different signs for ‘caribou’ in IUR: one from Rankin Inlet (left) and one from Toloyoak (right). What kind of variation does this exemplify and at what linguistic level? Do you think this variation leads to problems in communication? Provide arguments for your answer.
This is an example of regional variation at the lexical level (signs differ at least in handshape and place of articulation). Both signs are high on the iconicity scale, so that together with the social and linguistic context, it is unlikely that misunderstandings will arise.