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Ling, LG Variation

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0% found this document useful (0 votes)
28 views13 pages

Ling, LG Variation

Uploaded by

Yousra Tebbal
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
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Download as DOCX, PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
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Introduction:

In this report, we delve into the nuanced phenomena of diglossia,


bilinguisme, pidgin, and creole, examining their historical underpinnings,
socio-cultural implications, and linguistic characteristics in depth. Diglossia
refers to the coexistence of distinct linguistic varieties within a community,
often stratified along social, regional, or situational lines, reflecting complex
patterns of language use and identity negotiation. Bilinguisme, on the other
hand, encompasses the dynamic proficiency in two languages by individuals
or communities, influenced by factors such as education, migration, and
globalization. Pidgin and creole languages, emerging from contact situations,
represent fascinating instances of linguistic innovation, as they develop
among speakers with different native languages, often in contexts of
colonialism, trade, or cultural exchange. Through an interdisciplinary lens
drawing from linguistics, anthropology, sociology, and cultural studies, this
report aims to unravel the intricate interplay between diglossia, bilinguisme,
pidgin, and creole, shedding light on their significance in shaping
communication patterns, community dynamics, and identity formation
processes.

Diglossia:
According to Wardhaugh (2006), the word diglossia applies to a condition in
which a particular society's language has distinct codes with separate
functions; this implies that each code is used in a particular collection.
On the other hand, Trudgill (2009) defines the term diglossia as:

" a particular kind of language standardization where two distinct varieties


of a language exist side by side throughout the speech community (not just in
the case of a particular group of speakers, such as Scots or Blacks) and where
each of the two varieties is assigned a definite social function"(p.113)
With each variety serving a specific social function:
High and Low Variety:
The high variety is referred to with the symbol H and used in formal
situations such as news, broadcast, sermon in mosques, lectures in
universities, political speeches, etc. It is learned at school rather than being
acquired at home. It is taught inside the learning institutions and the children
who are learning reading and speaking can be mentioned here to show that
these children are learning to use standard language instead of vernacular
language. The high variety is prestigious because it has so many formal and
technical terms and the learner might face some difficulties hen acquiring
this
new form of the language. (Hudson, 1999, p. 49).
The Low variety is used by everyone and in daily conversations, including
talking with family members, acquaintances …etc. It is typically acquired at
home, and used as a mother tongue and it can be an easy variety or language
for users. For example, in the Arabic community, each area has its own
dialect, but classical Arabic is still taught in schools and is widely regarded as
more beautiful and therefore more suitable for written texts (Reem, 2012,
p.134-135).
Bilingualism: Unveiling the Power of Two Tongues
Bilingualism, the ability to speak and understand two languages effectively,
transcends a mere linguistic skill – it's a window into diverse cultures, a
cognitive powerhouse, and a key to unlocking global opportunities. Studies
suggest that one-third of the world's population is bilingual or multilingual,
highlighting the prevalence and significance of this phenomenon [1].

Individuals acquire bilingualism through two primary pathways:


Simultaneous Bilingualism: This occurs naturally in children exposed to
and
acquiring two languages from birth, often in bilingual families or
communities.
Sequential Bilingualism: This happens when individuals learn a second
language after solidifying their first language, which can occur during
childhood or adulthood.

Beyond the ability to communicate in two languages, bilingualism offers a


multitude of benefits, impacting individuals on various levels:
Cognitive Enhancement: Research suggests that bilingualism fosters
cognitive flexibility by allowing individuals to switch effortlessly between
languages, improving their ability to multitask, solve problems, and even
potentially delaying the onset of age-related cognitive decline [2].
Educational Advantage: Studies have shown that bilingualism can facilitate
the learning of additional languages and enhance literacy skills in both
languages used [3]. This ability to navigate multiple language systems can
contribute to a deeper understanding of language structure and function.
Cultural Bridge: Bilingualism serves as a bridge to connect with different
cultures, fostering understanding and appreciation for diverse perspectives. It
allows individuals to engage with communities beyond their own, fostering
cultural exchange and enriching their worldview.

Economic Benefits: In today's globalized world, bilingual individuals are


often in high demand and may have greater career opportunities. Their ability
to communicate effectively in multiple languages makes them valuable assets
in various sectors, particularly those with international reach.

It's important to remember that bilingualism exists on a spectrum.


Individuals may have varying levels of fluency in each language, influenced
by factors like exposure, practice, and personal learning styles. Additionally,
research in neurolinguistics suggests that bilingualism can lead to increased
brain activity and structural changes in specific brain regions, highlighting
the impact it has on brain development [4].
While bilingualism offers numerous advantages, it's not without its
challenges. Individuals may face issues like language mixing (code-switching)
or difficulty maintaining proficiency in both languages. However, the rewards
of bilingualism far outweigh the challenges, making it a valuable asset for
individuals and societies alike.

Definition of creole language :


A creole is a language that develops from a pidgin and becomes the native
language of a group of people. It has a more complex grammar and
vocabulary than a pidgin, and is used for a wider range of communication
purposes.
The origins of Creole languages:
- Creole languages emerge from historical contexts of colonization, slavery,
trade, and cultural exchange.
- They develop in multilingual settings where diverse populations need a
common means of communication.
- there are Factors such as colonialism, slavery, language contact, and
cultural exchange contribute to their formation.
- Creole languages evolve from simplified pidgin languages used for
communication between speakers of different languages.
- Social factors, including power dynamics and identity formation, shape the
development and spread of Creole languages.
- Overall, Creole languages represent unique linguistic and cultural
expressions that continue to evolve in contemporary societies.
The importance of the creole Language :
- Creole languages serve as markers of cultural and heritage identity for their
communities.
- They provide a common means of communication among speakers from
different linguistic backgrounds, fostering social cohesion and interaction.
- Creole languages have rich literary and artistic traditions, expressing
cultural themes and values.
- They are used in various domains of everyday life, contributing to
communication and understanding.
- Creole languages preserve linguistic elements from multiple sources,
highlighting linguistic and cultural diversity.
- They empower marginalized communities, promoting their linguistic rights
and cultural heritage.

Characteristics of the creole languages :


Creole languages typically have the following characteristics:
A/ Simplified Grammar: Creoles often have simplified grammar compared to
their parent languages, with reduced verb conjugation, simpler tense systems,
and fewer grammatical genders.
B/ Vocabulary Borrowing:They borrow vocabulary from the parent languages
as well as from other languages that may have influenced their development.
C/ Mixing of Languages: Creoles often result from the mixing of multiple
languages, usually due to colonization, slavery, or trade.
D/ Distinctive Pronunciation:Creoles often have distinctive pronunciation
features influenced by the phonetic patterns of the parent languages and
other contributing languages.
E/ Independent Identity: Despite their roots in other languages, Creoles
develop their own identity and are often spoken as the primary language in
communities where they are used.
F/ Variation:There can be significant variation in Creole languages
depending on factors such as geographical location, historical context, and
the languages involved in their development.
The difference between Pidgin and creole languages:
In Development:
- Pidgin: Develops as a simplified form of communication between speakers of
different languages, often in trade or colonial contexts.
- Creole: Evolves from pidgin into a more complex and stable language with
native speakers over time.

In Grammar:
- Pidgin: Has a simplified grammar and lacks complex verb conjugation and
tense systems.
- Creole: Develops a more elaborate grammar with consistent rules and
structures.

In Vocabulary:
- Pidgin: Borrows vocabulary from the languages of its speakers, often with
limited lexical resources.
- Creole: Expands its vocabulary through borrowing from multiple
languages, creating a richer lexicon.

Native Speakers:
- Pidgin: Typically lacks native speakers and is used primarily as a second
language for communication.
- Creole: Has native speakers who use it as their primary language for
communication within their community.

Identity
- Pidgin: Often lacks a distinct cultural or ethnic identity and is used for
practical communication purposes.
- Creole: Develops a unique cultural and linguistic identity within its
community of speakers.

Pidgin:
Origin:
In fact, The term appeared In the early 19th century, but the concept or the
meaning existed before that.
For the term, Along the coast of South China, Chinese merchants interacting
with English speakers modified the word “business” to “pidgins,” which later
became “pidgin.”
Pidgin was later generalized to refer to any simplified language that emerged
in situations such as trade, agriculture, and mining, where people did not
share the same common language.

Pidgin definitions:
As a word of English :
From oxford dictionary
1- A simple form of a language that is used when people who do not speak the
same language need to talk to each other.
2- The way of speaking a language by a person who does not speak the
language well.

As a term of linguistics
- According to the lecture of Dr. Chouban Pidgin is a language that is
nobody’s native language. It arises in situations where speakers of mutually
intelligible language come together.
- Numerous scholar works accept that a pidgin is a simplified means of
linguistic communication, as it is constructed impromptu, or by convention,
between individuals or groups of people with different languages.

Characteristics:
- Vocabulary and grammar are simplified and limited not more than 3.000
word.
- Between two or more groups of people that do not have a language in
common.
- Employed in real and limited situations such as trade.
- Pidgins are not complete languages.
- Pidgins have flexible word order, allowing speakers to convey meaning
through context rather than rigid syntax.
- Pidgin is not the native language of anybody.
- Pidgin is not the dialect of native language since it is not understood by
native speakers.

Role in Society:
Pidgin languages play a crucial role in facilitating communication in
multilingual settings. They are often used in domains such as trade,
transportation, and tourism, where speakers of diverse linguistic backgrounds
need to interact. Additionally, pidgins can serve as a means of social cohesion
and identity formation within communities of speakers.

Some Types of pidgin language:


The list of pidgin is not exhaustive, the most of languages have pidgin
language

Arabic pidgin :spoken in the Nile valley just fifty words in an 11th-century
Wħd ywm rādwl dwmā ʔsm

Pidgin English : used to refer to any of the many pidgin derived from
English.
Tok Pisin English speakers as New Guinea
Gras = “hair” (from grass)
Maus = mouth
Maus gras = “moustache” (“mouth grass”)
Olgeta = “all” (from all together)
Gude = “hello” (from g’day)
Haus = “house”
Haus sik = “hospital”

Franglais
Using this pidgin an English man to a French woman said :
You are the one for me
For me, for me, formidable
You are my love very
Very, very, véritable
Toi, tes eyes, ton nose
Tes lips adorables.

Conclusion:
Pidgin languages are remarkable linguistic phenomena that emerge in
situations of language contact and serve as vital tools for communication
among speakers of different languages. While often stigmatized or
marginalized, pidgins play a crucial role in facilitating social interaction,
commerce, and identity formation in diverse linguistic communities.
Understanding and appreciating pidgin languages contributes to a richer
understanding of the complexity and diversity of human language.
Conclusion:
In conclusion, our exploration of diaglossia, bilinguisme, pidgin, and creole
has revealed the rich tapestry of linguistic diversity and cultural hybridity that
characterizes human societies worldwide. From the stratification of linguistic
varieties to the emergence of innovative pidgin and creole languages, these
phenomena reflect the dynamic interplay between language, culture, and
society. Moving forward, it is essential to recognize the multifaceted nature of
multilingualism and language contact, embracing linguistic diversity as a
source of cultural richness and societal resilience. By fostering inclusive
language policies, promoting intercultural dialogue, and celebrating linguistic
heritage, we can create environments that honor the linguistic plurality of our
world and foster greater understanding, empathy, and cooperation among
diverse communities. As we navigate the complexities of an increasingly
interconnected global landscape, let us continue to cherish and preserve the
linguistic tapestry that constitutes the essence of human experience, ensuring
that all voices are heard and valued in the mosaic of our linguistic heritage.

References:
- A Sociolinguistic study of Diglossia in Adrar: the case of sociology students
in the university of Adrar.
- Bialystok, Ellen. "Bilingualism in the early years: What the science says."
National Center for Biotechnology Information (2010).
- Bialystok, Ellen. "Bilingualism and the aging mind." The Gerontologist
49.1
(2009): 127-139.
- Pearson, Barbara Z. "Bilingual education and second language learning in
the early years." Young Children 65.3 (2010): 96-101.
- Li, P., Leppänen, P. T., & Laine, M. (2012). Does speaking multiple
languages protect against cognitive decline? A review of neuroimaging
studies. Frontiers in human neuroscience, 6, 199.
- Schneider, E. W. (2014). Pidgin and Creole Languages. Routledge.
- Oxford Dictionary 2024.
- Chouban 2024 Linguistic lectures for third year.

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