Which term refers to language features and vocabulary associated with a particular social group?

• A. Sociolect
• B. Dialect
• C. Accent
• D. Jargon

Answer: (A)

Language variation by social group is captured by a term that refers to the features and vocabulary a particular social group uses. This concept, sociolect, describes how class, age, ethnicity, occupation, and other social factors shape the words chosen and linguistic habits people adopt. It goes beyond pronunciation or regional differences to include the everyday words and expressions that signal membership in a specific group.

Dialect, by contrast, is mainly about regional differences in speech, including certain grammar and vocabulary tied to a geographic area. Accent focuses on how words are pronounced, not on the full set of vocabulary or linguistic features. Jargon refers to specialized terms used within a particular profession or activity, not to language tied to a social group as a whole.

So the term that best fits language features and vocabulary associated with a social group is sociolect.