Diglossia

Definition

Diglossia refers to a linguistic phenomenon where two distinct varieties of a language coexist within a community, each serving different social functions. Typically, one variety is considered the 'high' or formal language used in official settings, while the other is the 'low' or colloquial language used in everyday conversation. This situation often reflects social hierarchies and cultural dynamics, influencing communication and identity within the community.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. In diglossic communities, the high variety is typically used in formal situations like education, literature, and government, while the low variety is used in casual conversation and familiar contexts.
2. The concept of diglossia was popularized by linguist Charles Ferguson in 1959, who identified specific features that characterize such language situations.
3. Examples of diglossia can be found in many societies, such as Arabic dialects where Modern Standard Arabic serves as the high variety and various local dialects function as the low varieties.
4. Diglossia can lead to language prestige issues, where speakers of the high variety may look down upon users of the low variety, impacting social dynamics.
5. In some cases, diglossic situations can cause language shift or loss as younger generations may favor the high variety for its perceived prestige.

Review Questions

• How does diglossia impact social interactions within a community?
  • Diglossia affects social interactions by establishing a hierarchy between the high and low varieties of language. The high variety is often associated with education and authority, leading speakers to use it in formal settings. In contrast, the low variety fosters informal communication among peers. This separation can influence how individuals perceive themselves and others based on their language use, potentially reinforcing social divisions within the community.
• Compare and contrast diglossia with bilingualism in terms of their effects on language use in a community.
  • While both diglossia and bilingualism involve the use of multiple language varieties, they differ significantly in their structure and function. In diglossia, one language has a higher status for formal contexts while another is used informally; this often leads to the maintenance of social hierarchies based on language use. Bilingualism, however, allows for more equal usage of both languages across various contexts. In bilingual communities, speakers might switch languages based on comfort rather than social expectation.
• Evaluate the long-term implications of diglossia on cultural identity and language preservation.
  • The long-term implications of diglossia can significantly affect cultural identity and language preservation. As high varieties often dominate educational and formal domains, there may be less emphasis on the low varieties, leading to their decline over time. This can result in younger generations favoring the high variety due to its prestige, which might erode their connection to cultural heritage tied to the low variety. If not addressed, diglossia can contribute to language shift and ultimately threaten linguistic diversity.

Related terms

Bilingualism: The ability to use two languages proficiently, often involving the use of each language in different contexts or for different purposes.

Standard Language: A particular dialect of a language that is given a special status and used for official purposes, education, and media.

Code-switching: The practice of alternating between two or more languages or dialects within a conversation, often influenced by social context or audience.