The English language is not a monolithic entity but an amalgam of many different varieties that can be associated respectively with groups of speakers, with individuals, and with the occasion. Among such varieties are slang, regional and class dialects, the language of children, and the language used by public speakers, journalists, lawyers, scientists, and advertisers. Contributing to these varieties are dialects, idiolects, registers, slang, usage, and the changing nature of our language. A number of changes in pronunciation, vocabulary, and syntax are currently taking place and are thus constantly creating new varieties of English. (HOD)