Spanish and Brazilian Portuguese: History and Regional Varieties

Humans process linguistic rules (or principles) intuitively as they speak and listen. However, some of the language principles are learned in their circles or social interactions under social pressure and cultural values. Social pressure and cultural values are present in their families, schools, friend circles, radio, television, and other versions of social contexts. These social circles produce awareness between socially prestigious and stigmatized forms. Speakers pay attention to these differences as they continue to evolve in the language or languages that they speak. Otherwise, they run into the risk of becoming ostracized by their groups. On the other hand, they might, on purpose, mix register to surprise those in their groups for a laugh or to be mean.