Non-standard language usage from the overapplication of a perceived prescriptive rule
This article is about language usage. For the psychology use, see Hypercorrection (psychology).
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In sociolinguistics, hypercorrection is nonstandard use of language that results from the overapplication of a perceived rule of language-usage prescription. A speaker or writer who produces a hypercorrection generally believes through a misunderstanding of such rules that the form or phrase they use is more "correct", standard, or otherwise preferable, often combined with a desire to appear formal or educated.[1][2]
Linguistic hypercorrection occurs when a real or imagined grammatical rule is applied in an inappropriate context, so that an attempt to be "correct" leads to an incorrect result. It does not occur when a speaker follows "a natural speech instinct", according to Otto Jespersen and Robert J. Menner.[3]
Hypercorrection can be found among speakers of less prestigious language varieties who attempt to produce forms associated with high-prestige varieties, even in situations where speakers of those varieties would not. Some commentators call such production hyperurbanism.[4]
Hypercorrection can occur in many languages and wherever multiple languages or language varieties are in contact.
^Wilson, Kenneth G. (1993). The Columbia Guide to Standard American English. Columbia University Press. Archived from the original on 20 November 2002.
^Sociolinguistic Patterns, William Labov, University of Pennsylvania Press, 1972, p 126
^Menner, Robert J. (1937). "Hypercorrect forms in American English". American Speech. 12 (3): 167–78. doi:10.2307/452423. JSTOR 452423.
^"hypercorrection". Merriam Webster's Dictionary of English Usage. Springfield, Massachusetts, US: Merriam-Webster. 1994. ISBN 978-0-87779-132-4.
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