According to Doris J Johnson 1968 article “ The language continuum”
discuss the various conceptualizations of and around the notion of the "language continuum".
Doris J Johnson's article "The Language Continuum" explores the idea that language is not simply divided into discrete categories, but rather exists along a continuum of variation and diversity. The notion of the language continuum challenges traditional ideas of language as fixed and homogeneous, instead highlighting the dynamic and complex nature of linguistic systems.
One conceptualization of the language continuum is based on dialect variation. Different dialects exist within a language, each representing a particular regional, social, or cultural variation. These dialects can be seen as points along a continuum of linguistic diversity, with no single dialect being inherently superior to another. Johnson argues that linguistic diversity should be celebrated and recognized as a valuable aspect of human communication.
Another view of the language continuum is centered on language change and evolution. Languages are constantly evolving over time, with new words, grammar structures, and phonetic features emerging and spreading through social networks. This process of language change can be seen as a continuum, with older forms gradually giving way to newer ones. Johnson emphasizes the importance of understanding and documenting these changes in order to appreciate the full richness and complexity of human languages.
Overall, Johnson's article challenges the idea of language as a static and uniform system, instead highlighting the diversity and complexity of linguistic variation. By exploring different conceptualizations of the language continuum, Johnson encourages readers to think more critically about the nature of language and the ways in which it shapes and reflects human communication.