Modèles sociolinguistiques de bilinguisme et diglossie

Study Notes

Sociolinguistic Models of Bilingualism and Diglossia

Bilingualism vs. Diglossia: Sociolinguistics sometimes contrasts bilingualism with diglossia, and language contact with conflict, to explain the presence of multiple languages within a society. Different models exist, with each having its own assumptions and implications.
Contextual Variations in Language Use: Models of bilingualism consider diverse linguistic contexts, shaped by a community's history and inter-community relations. These configurations can range from simple to complex, encompassing language evolution, conflict, and even extinction.

Diglossia: Defined and Contested

Diglossia vs. Bilingualism: Diglossia, unlike bilingualism (which stems from Latin roots), is a Greek-origin term for a specific sociolinguistic situation. It describes the use of two language varieties (not necessarily distinct languages), with each having its own specific function.
Ferguson's Model: Ferguson suggested diglossia exists when two varieties of the same language are in use, assigned distinct sociocultural functions (high and low). The 'high' variety is prestigious, used for formal writing & speech, and taught. The 'low' variety is used for everyday communication. Ferguson's model highlights a stable and accepted distribution of usage.
Fishman's Expansion: Fishman extended the diglossia model to include situations where two distinct languages are in complementary functional distribution, like the pre-1992 example of unequal coexistence between Spanish and Guarani in Paraguay (since changed by linguistic policy). He connected social diglossia to individual bilingualism with four defined cases.
Criticisms of Ferguson's Model: Lüdi and Py critiques, especially regarding Swiss German, highlight that prestige is not always a factor determining the choice of language. A significant objection concerns the relative prestige of different languages during diglossia – the model is considered too simplified. Language choice is not entirely predictable by social factors. Diglossia involves dynamic interaction and interpretation, not just pre-determined situations.

Conflict and Ideologies in Diglossia

Diachronic and Macrosociolinguistic Approach: A conflictual approach considers diglossia as a process and a matter of social power, not just language choice symmetry. Inequalities and conflicts over recognition and power are central in a long-term perspective.
Ideologization of Diglossia: Sociolinguists criticize how ideas about diglossia often support language dominance. This includes the creation and use of stereotypes and prejudice against the dominated language to justify language domination.
Example: Myths and Discourses of Bilingualism: Aracil demonstrated how the concept of bilingualism itself became a "myth" that reinforced Spanish dominance over Catalan, perpetuating dominance through a façade of equality.
Self-Denigration and Language Transmission: Dominant language and ideology can affect a subordinate language community by creating feelings of inferiority, leading to a weakening of language transmission within families.

Language Revitalization and Diglossia

Language Revitalization Needs: Turning the tide on diglossia requires both community support and strong institutional efforts. Examples from Catalan highlight the power of institutional decisions and laws in language revival efforts.
Sociolinguistic Studies' Multifaceted Role: Sociolinguistic studies often overlap elements of theory and activism to expose problematic situations and language dominance. Researchers acknowledge their own subjectivity in shaping theoretical understanding while recognizing the importance of respecting the context.
Specific Case Examples: Studies in Corsica and Cameroon show how diglossia extends beyond simple language exclusion to identity conflict.
The Rise of "Patois": The term "patois" carried negative connotations during the 18th and 19th centuries in France, reflecting unilingual ideologies of that time. An initial context in relation to dialects was introduced; however, it also highlighted other language contexts where it was not pejorative.
Grégoire's Enquires on "Patois": Grégoire's 1790 investigation revealed differing perceptions regarding "patois," not all of which aligned with the stated goal of French linguistic dominance. The survey revealed some disagreement on how to achieve the goal of French dominance.
Shifting Language Discourse: Quantitative surveys later showed a gradual shift from using "patois" to "Occitan" in discourse while simultaneously witnessing a decline in Occitan usage. This suggests both changing linguistic norms and a need for more nuanced language representations.

Description

Ce quiz explore les modèles sociolinguistiques de bilinguisme et de diglossie, ainsi que leurs implications et variétés contextuelles. Les concepts de contact linguistique et de conflit sont discutés, ainsi que les différents modèles qui expliquent la coexistence des langues dans une société. Testez vos connaissances sur ces concepts clés de la sociolinguistique.