How do languages vary?

In this chapter, we will look at the different aspects of language variation. We will discuss what language variation is and look at some examples. We will then explore how language variation affects both the public and the private sphere. We will examine some positive and negative attitudes related to language variation and will highlight some recent facts in relation to accent discrimination taking Europe as an example. We will also discuss why language variation should be valued. Finally, we will see whether language variation is part of language curricula, and we will explore some possible avenues for integrating language variation in language teaching and learning.