International Journal of English Literature and Culture
 

International Journal of English Literature and Culture

Vol. 3(6), pp. 194-198, June, 2015

 ISSN: 2360-7831

DOI: 10.14662/IJELC2015.054

Research Paper

Linguistic Identities: How Code-switching and/or Code-crossing help constructing solidarity or otherness in multilingual societies

Sepideh Hozhabrossadat

Vienna University. E-mail: Sepideh_hozhabrossadat@yahoo.com

Accepted 22 June 2015

Since communication is the most important part of defining and structuring our identities, a recent phenomenon had emerged which has been called linguistic identities. As the name suggests, there is no single identity in terms of communication and interaction. The question is how our linguistic identities are formed; and by what means or linguistic devices we identify ourselves or others. There are multiple identities that are being constructed, revised and shaped. At first, identity is defined as being fluid and linguistically motivated. Four models are introduced to link identity construction with language. Linguistic devices, including code-switching and code-crossing are being defined and further analyzed into two important sub-devices called positionality and indexicality. In conclusion, human beings tend to (un)consciously utilize the linguistic devices in multilingual communities to bond or bind.

Keywords: Linguistic identities, SIT, SAT, HOI, performativity, positionality, indexicality


 

Cite This Article As: Hozhabrossadat S (2015). Linguistic Identities: How Code-switching and/or Code-crossing help constructing solidarity or otherness in multilingual societies. Inter. J. Eng. Lit. Cult. 3(6): 194-198

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