Multilingualism and ethnic stereotypes: The Tariana of northwest Amazonia

2002 ◽  
Vol 32 (1) ◽  
pp. 1-21 ◽  
Author(s):  
ALEXANDRA Y. AIKHENVALD
Keyword(s):  
Language Choice ◽  
Code Switching ◽  
National Language ◽  
Power Relationship ◽  
Language Group ◽  
Lingua Franca ◽  
Negative Image ◽  
Ethnic Stereotypes ◽  
Code Mixing ◽  
Better Than

Tariana is spoken by about 100 people in the multilingual area of the Vaupés basin in northwest Amazonia (Brazil). Other languages spoken in the area are members of the East Tucanoan subgroup, with its most numerous representative, the Tucano language, rapidly gaining ground as a lingua franca. Also spoken are Makú languages; Baniwa, an Arawak language spoken on the fringes of the area and closely related to Tariana; and Portuguese, the national language. The area is known for its language group exogamy and institutionalized multilingualism, with its language being the badge of identity for each group. Language choice is motivated by power relationship and by status, and there are strict rules for code-switching. Inserting bits of other languages while speaking Tariana (“code-mixing”) has different consequences that mirror existing ethnic stereotypes. Code-mixing with Tucano is considered a “language violation”; using elements of Baniwa is considered funny, while mixing different Tariana dialects implies that one “cannot speak Tariana properly.” Overusing Portuguese is associated with the negative image of an Indian who tries to be better than his peers.

Nacionālā valoda zinātnē: Latvijas piemērs

2020 ◽  
pp. 31-52
Author(s):  
Agnese Dubova ◽  
Diāna Laiveniece ◽  
Egita Proveja ◽  
Baiba Egle
Keyword(s):  
Online Community ◽  
Language Use ◽  
Language Choice ◽  
Doctoral Dissertation ◽  
National Language ◽  
Main Trend ◽  
Scientific Language ◽  
Lingua Franca ◽  
Scientific Excellence ◽  
Language Of Science

The aim of the paper is to show and describe the current situation in the Latvian scientific language based on a case study of the problem about the place of a national language and its existence in science in modern globalised time, when the dominance of English as the lingua franca of science grows. More specifically, the paper analyses the November 2019 conceptual plans of the Latvian Ministry of Education and Science about a new concept of doctoral study programmes that would lean towards using English as the doctoral dissertation language in hopes for scientific excellence, and the public reaction and opinion on this concept. The descriptive method is used within the paper, including the contemporary literature review focused on the language of science globally, issues of multilingualism and glocalization, and the problems caused by these issues. Via empirical discourse content analysis, the authors looked at various documents, including Latvian law that governs the rights and rules of the Latvian language use in various contexts. They examined a wide array of mainly online content and diverse online community discourse related to the question of what language should be used (Latvian or English) within the doctoral dissertation process. For a comparison of the situation, the paper also provides a brief insight into the regulation of the language used in the development of dissertations in Lithuania. During the study, 21 different sources, that is, articles posted on various Latvian news media sites and 304 online user comments, predominantly anonymous, under these articles relating to the issue of language choice in doctoral dissertations were analysed. All the mentioned sources, to a greater or lesser extent, discussed the issue of what place Latvian has as a language of science and whether English should be the dominant language in doctoral studies, what implications the choice and usage of a language could have, and what far-reaching impact this might have on science, education, and society. The material revealed a breadth of opinions, depending on what group a person is more likely to represent, ranging from the Ministry stance to organisations and the general public. Some had a very pro-English stance, and some showed significant concern for the Latvian language. The main trend in online community user opinions could be condensed as such: there is a variety of language choices for a doctoral dissertation – a dissertation written in Latvian; a dissertation written in English; or leaving the language choice up to the doctoral student. This would ensure that the language choice fits the doctoral students’ goals and field of research. Making English mandatory would not likely lead to guarantee scientific excellence as what matters is the research content itself, not the language used. The national language in science is a current and important issue in Latvia, as there is a need for state language use in a scientific register, and this usage should be developed further. The Ministry document discussed is still a draft report, and it is not yet known what final decisions on the PhD process and dissertation language will be taken by policymakers in the future. This paper shows that language choice and use in science is not just a matter for scholars and PhD candidates, but an issue that can and does gain interest from various groups of society and gets discussed online in multiple ways, allowing people to express their opinion on policy and societal issues. Latvian is a scientific language, and it has a place within the international scientific discourse, and it should not be made to step aside for the dominant lingua franca.

Code-Switching and Code Mixing in the Selected Tracks of the Hip Hop Music of Flavour and 9ice

2021 ◽  
Vol 2 (3) ◽  
pp. 55-70
Author(s):  
Balogun Sarah ◽  
Murana Muniru Oladayo
Keyword(s):  
Hip Hop ◽  
English Language ◽  
Mother Tongue ◽  
First Language ◽  
Music Industry ◽  
Positive Influence ◽  
Code Switching ◽  
National Language ◽  
Code Mixing ◽  
Unique Identity

This article attempts a comparative analysis of code-switching and code-mixing in the Nigerian music industry, using the lyrics of Flavour and 9ice as a case study. Although the English language is the national language in Nigeria and the language used by most of the musicians for the composition of their songs, and due to the linguistic plurality of Nigeria, most of these musicians tend to lace their songs chunks of words and phrases from their mother tongue or at least one of the three major languages in Nigeria, which are Hausa, Igbo, and Yoruba. The Markedness Model by Myers-Scotton (1993) is used as the framework to interrogate the switching and mixing in the codes used by these selected musicians and we find that while most code-switching is done in three languages – English, Nigerian Pidgin and the artist’ first language (mother tongue)  – their mother tongue plays the prominent role. Code-switching or code-mixing in these songs, therefore, becomes a depiction of the Nigerian state with its diverse languages and it provides the links between the literates and the illiterates thereby giving the artiste the popularity desired. The study concludes that the unique identity created by code-switching and code-mixing in the Nigerian music industry has a positive influence on music lovers, helping artists to achieve wide patronage and reflecting the ethnolinguistic diversity of the Nigerian nation.

Triglossia and Swahili-English bilingualism in Tanzania

1972 ◽  
Vol 1 (2) ◽  
pp. 197-213 ◽  
Author(s):  
M. H. Abdulaziz Mkilifi
Keyword(s):  
Secondary School ◽  
Primary School ◽  
Mother Tongue ◽  
Cultural Influences ◽  
Developmental State ◽  
Code Switching ◽  
Urban Life ◽  
National Language ◽  
Post Secondary ◽  
Code Mixing

ABSTRACTThe paper addresses itself to the study of the sociological correlates of speech behaviour among bilingual speakers of English and Swahili in Tanzania. Factors influencing language maintenance, code-switching and code-mixing are discussed. Four main phases of language acquisition are considered: the pre-primary school phase, the primary school phase, the secondary-school phase, and the post-secondary school phase.Three languages with both varying and overlapping roles interact, creating a triglossia situation: first the vernacular or mother-tongue of each particular ethno-cultural group; secondly Swahili, the local lingua franca and national language; thirdly English, the predominant language of higher learning and to a certain extent of official and commercial business.The paper also discusses the diglossia relationship between the vernacular and Swahili on the one hand and Swahili and English on the other. The developmental state of the languages is dealt with in terms of socially ‘restricted’ and ‘elaborated’ codes.Urban life tends to impose its own socio-cultural influences on the bilinguals. There is free shifting and mixing between Swahili and English interlocutors, topics and setting.Lastly the paper raises questions of the sociological and linguistic consequences of the multilingual situation. (Multilingualism, diglossia; code-switching; code-mixing; Swahili; English, national language problems.)

scholarly journals SOCIOLINGUISTIC INTERACTION OF SOCIETY IN BUSUNGBIU DISTRICT BULELENG REGENCY

2019 ◽  
Vol 3 (1) ◽  
pp. 41
Author(s):  
Kadek Elly ◽  
I Wayan Rasna ◽  
I Nengah Suandi
Keyword(s):  
Data Collection ◽  
Critical Condition ◽  
Language Choice ◽  
Code Switching ◽  
Social Origin ◽  
Sense Of Humor ◽  
Language Choices ◽  
Code Mixing ◽  
Java Language ◽  
Third Person

The purpose of this research to (1) describe the language variations in sociolinguistic interaction of society in Busungbiu district Buleleng Regency, (2) to describe the language choice in sociolinguistic interaction of society in Busungbiu district Buleleng Regency, and (3) to describe the factors that affect language variations and language choices in sociolinguistic interaction of society  in Busungbiu district Buleleng Regency. Data were collected using observation and interview. The data are analyzed through reduction, presentation and data collection. The location of this research is 4 of 15 villages in Busungbiu sub-district that is Sepang Village, Pelapuan, Kekeran, and Busungbiu. The result of this research shows that (1) There are language variations in terms of speakers of dialect and sociolek and language variations in terms of formality. (2) There is a code switching of the Bali language code into the Indonesia language, code switching the Indonesia language code into Bali language, code switching the Java language code into the Indonesia language. The code mixing into and code mixing exit. (3) Factors that influence is the language variation that is area of the speaker's and social origin. Factors that influence is the language choice that is changing speech situations, the presence of a third person, awakens a sense of humor, to a mere prestige, using more popular terms. Thus it can be concluded that the Bali language experiencing critical condition and bali language start to weaken. This can be proved by the existence of citizens who notabene native Bali language speakers can code switch and code mixed, so the use of Bali language began to shift little by little. Based on this, the need for guidance, training and coaching, especially the Bali language in Busungbiu district.

scholarly journals Arabic English Code Switching among Saudi Speakers

2022 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ahmed Ibrahim Alsalami
Keyword(s):  
English Language ◽  
Native Speakers ◽  
Age Groups ◽  
Code Switching ◽  
Code Mixing ◽  
Working People ◽  
Training Courses ◽  
Arabic And English ◽  
High Level ◽  
Better Than

Many studies have been conducted on code-switching worldwide, but few were carried out on Saudi context. Therefore, this study inquires the use of code-switching among Saudis who speak both Arabic and English to identify the reasons of code-switching and to know the significant differences regarding gender, age, qualification, and level of English. The study raises two questions. They are: 1) What are the reasons of code-switching of Saudis as native speakers of Arabic? And 2) Are there significant differences for code-switching of Saudis as native speakers of Arabic due to gender, age, qualification, and level of English? A descriptive-analytical approach has been adopted, and SPSS program is used. A questionnaire (30 items) was distributed to a sample of 426 Saudis. Findings showed that those with high-level proficiency combined Arabic and English languages more due to their awareness of English language expressions and found English vocabulary more expressive and delivered their ideas better. Moreover, working people used code-switching extensively. Furthermore, postgraduates were found to be better than others. Additionally, genders were both exposed to the same circumstances. Finally, individuals among all age groups combined both Arabic and English languages due perhaps to several reasons. Therefore, the researcher recommends that it might be better to study the significance of forming training courses to keep the interest of natives to take pride and use it in all aspects of life. Finally, the researcher suggests conducting another study on investigating code-switching among instructors in EFL classrooms and exploring code-mixing since there are few studies.

scholarly journals The Use of English and the National Language on the Radio in asean Countries

MANUSYA ◽  
2019 ◽  
Vol 22 (3) ◽  
pp. 261-288
Author(s):  
Amara Prasithrathsint ◽  
Kusuma Thongniam ◽  
Pimpat Chumkaew
Keyword(s):  
Language Choice ◽  
The Philippines ◽  
Code Switching ◽  
National Language ◽  
Radio Stations ◽  
International Language ◽  
Radio Broadcasting ◽  
Language Data ◽  
Asean Countries ◽  
National Languages

The purpose of the present study is to examine language choice on the radio in asean countries. The focus is on English and national languages, the two most important languages in those countries. A review of related past studies did not provide an answer to the question that we were interested in; i.e., which language is chosen for radio broadcasts in asean countries between the national language, which is the language most people understand and signifies national identity, and English, which is the lingua franca of the region and an international language? Data was taken from a sample of programs broadcast by radio stations in the ten asean countries. The results show that Singapore ranks the highest in using English in broadcasting (50% of all the programs), while Laos, Cambodia, Myanmar and Vietnam rank the lowest in using English (0%) but highest in using their national languages (100%). Code-switching between the countries’ national languages and English is found in five countries listed from highest to lowest as: the Philippines, Singapore, Brunei, Indonesia and Thailand. Code-switching is absent in Malaysia, Myanmar, Cambodia, Laos and Vietnam. We conclude that despite the importance of English in the asean community, most asean countries prefer to use their national languages in radio broadcasting.

Determinants of English as language choice among Unaccompanied Migrant Children (UMC) in Makassar, Indonesia

2019 ◽  
Vol 2 (2) ◽  
pp. 1-7
Author(s):  
Andi Samsu Rijal ◽  
Andi Mega Januarti Putri
Keyword(s):  
Language Choice ◽  
Migrant Children ◽  
Immigrant Communities ◽  
The Public ◽  
International Language ◽  
Language User ◽  
Public Area ◽  
Better Than ◽  
Language Mastery

The essence of language is human activity. Communication with language is carried out through two basic human activities; speaking and listening during the interaction in a group of people. Immigrants in Makassar city communicate with immigrant communities and Makassar people. They used English and Indonesia to communicate with others. The aims of this article were to find out determinant factors of English as language choice among Unaccompanied Migrant Children (UMC) in Makassar and why they used English as their language choice to communicate with other people out of them. The data were taken from UMC in the shelter under the auspices of Makassar’s Social Office and in the public area of Makassar. This research was a qualitative approach; it was from a sociolinguistic perspective and focuses its analysis with the language choice among UMC. This research showed that most immigrants chose English as their language choice since they were in Makassar because they have acquired better than other international language and it has been mastered naturally by doing social interaction among themselves and people outside their community. UMC had more difficulties to socialize with Indonesian than the adult of Immigrants. Other than their lack of language mastery, they also have the anxiety to adapt to other immigrants and Makassar people. English was used by UMC to show their status as a foreigner who lived in a multicultural situation. Language becomes a power for a human being and it becomes a social identity for language user in one community. During the interaction of UMC in Makassar city, the role of English as an International language is shown.

scholarly journals Multilingualism and internationalisation in doctoral education: Discourse, positioning and agency

2020 ◽  
Vol 8 (2) ◽  
pp. 257-277
Author(s):  
Stephanie Hofmann
Keyword(s):  
Higher Education ◽  
Academic Success ◽  
Cultural Diversity ◽  
Academic Writing ◽  
National Language ◽  
Macro Level ◽  
Lingua Franca ◽  
Diversity In Higher Education ◽  
Linguistic Repertoire ◽  
Education Discourse

AbstractDespite the growing linguistic and cultural diversity in higher education and research, little is known about how students and researchers use their plurilingual repertoire for writing and publishing. In particular, the roles of the national language(s) and the linguistic repertoire(s) vis-à-vis English as the lingua franca for academic writing and publishing have not been closely examined. This paper explores how doctoral researchers in Luxembourg position themselves in relation to macro-level discourses about language and academic success within their complex lingua-cultural and socio-economic setting. By analysing interview transcripts of two multilingual doctoral researchers from Russia and Germany, I show how in spite of their similar starting situations they negotiate agency to varying degrees. In particular, the prevalence of English and the pressure to publish in international journals seem to make them struggle to use their full linguistic repertoire in writing their theses.

The role of World War II in the development of Luxembourgish as a national language

2009 ◽  
Vol 33 (2) ◽  
pp. 112-131 ◽  
Author(s):  
Melanie Wagner ◽  
Winifred V. Davies
Keyword(s):  
World War Ii ◽  
Language Policy ◽  
Theoretical Approach ◽  
Final Section ◽  
Present Situation ◽  
Language Choice ◽  
Interview Data ◽  
National Language ◽  
World War

This paper explores the link between explicit Luxembourgish language policy and the actual practices as well as expressed attitudes of a group of speakers of Luxembourgish, with the aim of studying the role of World War II in the advancement of Luxembourgish as Luxembourg’s national language. The first two sections introduce the theoretical approach of the paper and provide an overview of the history and present situation of Luxembourg and Luxembourgish. The following two sections present the findings of a sociolinguistic study of language choice, language values and identities, and linguistic (in)security among a group of Luxembourgish letter-writers, as well as recent interview data provided by the sole surviving correspondent. The final section brings together these results and the claims made regarding the role of World War II in the changing status of Luxembourgish and points out the complexity of this discussion.

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