Multiple varieties of languages co-exist in a complex interrelationship where the society assigns them different tasks. In 1959, Charles Ferguson provided a comprehensive diglossicview of bilingualism by building on the various domains which are essential in macro-analysis of the functional distributions within the speech communities (Ferguson, 1959). These communities are characterized two or more languages used in intra-societal communications. Diglossia is generally defined as a situation where two different language varieties are spoken with the same speech community (Fishman et al., 1982). On the other hand, bilingual diglossia is a situation where one language variety is used in writing while another one is used in speech. Today, diglossia is one of the most important elements in the study of societal multilingualism. Based on Ferguson’s argument, diglossia can be described as a special kind of bilingualism where two co-existing linguistic codes that have different status in the society compete. Use of these language varieties relies on the circumstance (Crystal, 2010). Each the language variety must have a clearly defined role. For example, standard language mainly in formal contexts while a specific dialectal form is used in low functions such as family and social gatherings. Studies observed that the concept of diglossia can be observed in the case of language use in China. In support of this observation, the author reviewed the concepts diglossia, language maintenance, language shift and reversing language shift in general and in relation to a specific case of Inner Mongolia, China.
Table of Contents
1. Introduction
2. Language variation
3. Societal attitudes towards bilingualism and educational implications
4. Literature review
4.1 Diglossia
4.2 Language maintenance
4.3 Language shift
4.4 Reversal of language shift
5. Case study: Language maintenance and shift in Inner Mongolia, China
5.1 Case analysis
6. Conclusion
Objectives and Topics
The primary objective of this work is to critically examine the sociolinguistic concepts of diglossia, language maintenance, and language shift within the contemporary Chinese context, specifically focusing on Inner Mongolia. The research investigates the historical relationship between the rise of Standard Chinese and the decline of indigenous minority languages, aiming to understand the factors driving language shift and the potential for successful language revitalization efforts.
- Theoretical exploration of diglossia, language maintenance, and language shift.
- Application of Fishman’s Graded Intergenerational Disruption Scale (GIDS) as a framework for language endangerment.
- Critical analysis of the Mongolian language shift in Inner Mongolia, China.
- Evaluation of bilingual education and language management as tools for language revitalization.
Excerpt from the Book
Language maintenance
Basically, language maintenance refers to continuing the use of a particular language in the face of competition from more powerful languages locally or internationally (McMurray & Wasserman, 2009). According to Fishman, language maintenance must involve intergenerational transmission. Several studies were conducted in attempt to determine the factors which are either affective or conducive to language maintenance. Blackledge and Creese (2010) found that these factors were very diverse ranging from political, demographic, linguistic, cultural, psychological, and institutional to economic factors. Usually, community languages are maintained through various domains linked to speaker’s choices and preferences. Fishman suggested that these language domains may encompass friends, neighbors, education, media, community and religion.
Elsewhere, cognitive scientists believe that languages are all built to a common pattern (Blommaert, 2013). From this perspective, every level of linguistic organization exhibits some form of uniqueness. Despite the presence of considerable recurrent patterns of language organization, language maintenance is better explained using stable engineering solutions that satisfy multiple design factors, reflects cultural-historical factors as well as human cognition constraints. It is important to understand that the place of language in human cognition is its diversity (Gregory et al., 2013).
Chapter Summary
1. Introduction: This chapter introduces the core concepts of diglossia and bilingualism, setting the stage for the analysis of societal multilingualism and the specific case of language use in China.
2. Language variation: This section explores the functional differentiation of language varieties and the macro and micro factors, such as social and ethnic influences, that impact language use.
3. Societal attitudes towards bilingualism and educational implications: This chapter discusses the global prevalence of bilingualism and the challenges minority languages face when dominant languages are promoted within educational settings.
4. Literature review: This section provides a theoretical foundation by reviewing scholarly work on diglossia, language maintenance, language shift, and language revitalization.
5. Case study: Language maintenance and shift in Inner Mongolia, China: This chapter applies the theoretical frameworks discussed to the specific historical and social context of Inner Mongolia to analyze the shift from Mongolian to Standard Chinese.
6. Conclusion: This final chapter synthesizes the findings, highlighting the critical role of intergenerational transmission and proposing policy recommendations for language management.
Keywords
Diglossia, language maintenance, language shift, language revitalization, bilingualism, Inner Mongolia, minority languages, sociolinguistics, intergenerational transmission, language endangerment, Fishman, GIDS, language policy, language contact, multilingualism.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the primary focus of this research paper?
The paper focuses on the sociolinguistic dynamics of diglossia, language maintenance, and language shift, particularly investigating how these processes impact minority languages in contemporary Chinese society.
Which theoretical frameworks are central to the study?
The study relies heavily on the theories of Charles Ferguson regarding diglossia and Joshua Fishman’s concepts of language maintenance, shift, and his Graded Intergenerational Disruption Scale (GIDS).
What is the main objective of the research?
The objective is to understand the drivers of language shift in Inner Mongolia and identify strategies, such as effective language management and bilingual education, that can help maintain and revitalize endangered languages.
What methodology does the author employ?
The author conducts a comprehensive literature review of previous sociolinguistic theories and presents a case study analysis of the Mongolian language in Inner Mongolia, China, utilizing historical and demographic data.
What topics are covered in the main body of the work?
The main body covers the theoretical definition of language variation, the impact of societal attitudes on bilingualism, a deep dive into the concepts of language maintenance and shift, and a specific case study on the linguistic situation in Inner Mongolia.
Which keywords best characterize this work?
Key terms include diglossia, language shift, language maintenance, Inner Mongolia, and Fishman’s GIDS framework.
How does the author characterize the situation in Inner Mongolia?
The author describes the situation as a gradual and cumulative language shift, influenced by intensive contact between Mongolian speakers and Han Chinese over the last few centuries.
What role does the GIDS framework play in the Navajo case study mentioned?
The GIDS framework serves as an evaluative tool to measure the level of language endangerment and guide specific rescue measures, such as establishing language nests or improving instructional methods.
- Quote paper
- Difrine Madara (Author), 2019, Diglossia, language maintenance, language shift and reversing language shift: A case example of China, Munich, GRIN Verlag, https://www.grin.com/document/961649
