overt (adj.)

A term used in LINGUISTIC analysis to refer to the relationships between linguistic FORMS which are observable in the SURFACE STRUCTURE of a SENTENCE; opposed to COVERT. Examples of overt relations include WORD-ORDER, CONCORD and PHONOTACTIC SEQUENCE. The term is also sometimes used of elements (e.g. an ‘overt subject’ in PRO-DROP LANGUAGES) and processes (e.g. WH-MOVEMENT).

A term used in SOCIOLINGUISTICS as part of the analysis of the way linguistic FORMS carry social prestige: in overt prestige, forms are valued which follow the norms recommended by powerful groups or institutions within society (such as public schools, broadcasting institutions and usage manuals). An example would be the forms associated with Standard English. This kind of prestige is overt because the forms are openly and publicly recognized as socially desirable. An opposition is drawn with COVERT prestige, where VERNACULAR DIALECT forms are positively valued, emphasizing local solidarity and identity.