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7. How does language contact affect linguistic identity and belonging?

Linguistics and Language -> Sociolinguistics and Language Variation
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7. How does language contact affect linguistic identity and belonging?

Elige Radenhurst

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Language contact refers to when people who speak different languages come into contact with each other. This can happen in many different ways, such as when people move to a new country or when people from different language groups work together.

Language contact can have a big impact on people's linguistic identity and sense of belonging. Linguistic identity refers to how a person sees themselves in terms of their language or languages. Belonging refers to feeling like you are part of a group or community.

When people come into contact with others who speak a different language, they may start to use some of the words and phrases from that language. This can sometimes lead to people feeling like they are not using their first language as much as they used to. This can make them feel like their linguistic identity is changing, especially if they start to think of themselves as being more connected to the new language than they were before.

At the same time, language contact can also help to create new communities and connections. When people from different language groups come together and start to communicate, they may find that they have a lot in common and start to form new friendships or even new cultures.

For example, imagine that you speak Spanish and you move to a new country where most people speak English. At first, you might feel like you are constantly struggling to communicate and that your Spanish is not as important anymore. But over time, you might start to learn some English words and phrases, and you might find that you can connect with people in new ways.

It's important to remember that language contact can have both positive and negative effects on linguistic identity and belonging. While it can be challenging to navigate different languages and cultures, it can also be a way to form new connections and create new communities.