LANGUAGE IN SOCIETY

K.O.Y. Bailey-Fairclough
 INFLUENCES ON LANGUAGE
� Language is the main tool used to establish societies and
keep them together.
� Language is used to create our identity and gives us a
sense of belonging.
� It is through language that societies are able to create
agreed rules and regulations, convey and receive
information critical to its survival and pass on its culture
in oral and written form.
� Societies tend to be characterized by their most dominant
languages.
 INFLUENCES ON LANGUAGE
� The Modern Language Situation
� A society where one language is used is called a
Monolingual Society. However, there are few societies
that only use one language.
� Most countries speak more than one language and may
be bilingual (using two languages) or multilingual
(using multiple languages).
� Most countries have monolingual bias and only officially
recognize one language.
� An Official Language is the code(language) that is
given unique legal status as the language used in the
country’s legislative bodies.
 INFLUENCES ON LANGUAGE
� In some countries that are bilingual and multilingual,
there are National Languages. A national language is
believed to represent the national identity of a country.
� It can be approved for legal use in legal and political
settings and in most cases is also recognized as an
official language.
� NB- a language can be officially recognized but not
considered a national or official language. This means
that the language can be used as a working language but
would not be declared an official language in the
constitution or official sources.
 INFLUENCES ON LANGUAGE
� Historical Factors
� Many language situations are a result of colonialism and migration.
� Colonization in the greatest factor responsible for the spread of
languages from Europe to distant and diverse geographical locations.
� In many countries the linguistic situation is a result of migration such as
USA, UK and CANADA.
� Did you know that in London over 300 languages are spoken due to
migration.
� In Toronto there are over 200 languages while 50% of Toronto residents
speak a mother tongue that isn't English or French.
� NYC has over 800 languages spoken in the city due to migrationary
patterns.
Belize has over ten recognized languages used on its shores.
 INFLUENCES ON LANGUAGE
� Social Factors
� The social dominance of a group ensures that its
language becomes the one that assumes the place of
importance in the society.
� Language changes because of constant social changes
and the emergence of new phenomena such as
technology.
� The elements of social and economic class always affect
attitudes to and choice of language.
� Social factors such as class and race also determines the
types of language which are considered desirable and
which ones are improper.
 INFLUENCES ON LANGUAGE
� Cultural Factors
� Acculturation is one of the major influences on
language. When people migrate, they try to assimilate
into the new culture as much as possible and their
original language gets lost.
� Sometimes the language of the host country also changes
and it takes on words from the immigrants’ countries.
 INFLUENCES ON LANGUAGE
� Political Factors
� Recognition of languages is a political and government decision.
� Language policies can define a government’s plan regarding
approach to the treatment of language in the specific country.
� It determines the language of governance, instruction, commerce
etc.
� Politics can encourage, protect or discourage the use of a particular
language.
� Politics can also be used to determine the extent to which a
minority language is accepted.
� E.g. Quebec rule on French on signs.
� Politics can be used to promote nationalism through language. Eg
Denmark and Norway.
� Wars and friction can arise out of political disputes over langauge.
 INFLUENCES ON LANGUAGE
� In countries where there are more than one main
language, there are often political implications in
decisions that are seen to promote one group of speakers
over another, and this is often referred to as language
politics. An example of a country with this type of
language politics is Belgium.
� For many decades the Kurdish language was ignored and
banned from public use and Turkish became the lingua
franca for all citizens to speak. This way, the Turkish
state sought to create a nation-state based on one
language and attempted to eliminate the use of other
languages, particularly Kurdish, through severe
regulations and prohibitions.
 SOCIAL, ETHICAL AND
PSYCHOLOGICAL ROLES OF LANGUAGE
1. Language has many roles. It can be used to separate or
mark solidarity.
2 . Below are some of the roles of language:
� To Discriminate Against Others- speakers of non-
standard varieties of a language, use limited varieties, or
using the accent of a minority group can be treated
unfairly. They can also suspected of wrongdoing or
turned away from a job. They may also be made to feel
inferior by telling them “to speak properly” etc. the
language used can cause individuals to be criticized as
uneducated, poor, unintelligent, “country” etc.
Internationally, Caribbean people are discriminated for
their accent due to a rise in scamming .
 SOCIAL, ETHICAL AND PSYCHOLOGICAL ROLE OF
LANGUAGE
� To alienate- Language can be used to exclude individuals from
a group. Switching between languages is a way to put distance
between an outsider and a group. E.g Chinese switching to
Mandarin in their supermarkets/ upper class switching to
Standard English when in the presence of hired help/ teenagers
using slangs in the presence of older generations.
� To Make Face threats- a face threat is a vocalized act that
threatens someone’s reputation.
� To Mark Social Biases-language can be used to demonstrate a
speaker’s attitude towards a particular group. Speakers through
language reveals social biases such as the use of racist or sexist
slurs/politcal bias etc.
 SOCIAL, ETHICAL AND
PSYCHOLOGICAL ROLE OF LANGUAGE
To Assert Authority- language can be used to assert
authority. This is apparent in countries where there is a
language of prestige and a lesser form. The speaker may
use the language of prestige to show that they are the one
in control.
To Mark Identity- Language is used to reinforce an
individual’s sense of identity in relation to his/her
membership of a particular group. Using a similar
language creates racial, ethnic, national and regional
bonds.
To Mark Solidarity-language can be used to show
solidarity within a community. One’s language can show
camaraderie, sympathy, concern, and affection.
 SOCIAL, ETHICAL AND
PSYCHOLOGICAL ROLE OF LANGUAGE
� To make Social Linkages- another role of language in
society is to make social linkages and establish connections
with other people. People begin relationships through what
they say. People use social media to network and connect
with each other. People change how they speak to be included
in particular groups.
� To Promote Cultural Awareness- when people learn a new
language, they open themselves up to a new culture (customs,
beliefs, food, music, practices etc). The media is used to bring
different cultures to people using language. Eg film, music,
books etc.
� The Kiterunner was used to teach American Delegates about
Afghanistan culture.
LANGUAGE SITUATION IN THE CARIBBEAN
� The Caribbean is a complex linguistic region because of its
complicated history and the mélange of groups that settled
voluntarily and involuntarily in the area.
� This resulted in an array of languages, dialects and
vernaculars spoken in the region.
� The languages spoken in the Caribbean have been influenced
by the realities of the region. From the official languages
which were influenced by the Europeans, to the vernaculars/
Creoles developed during and after slavery to the distinct
varieties of Caribbean English which were developed due to
cultural (Rasta English) and economic advances (Foreign
English), Caribbean Language seeks to foster identity.
THE INFLUENCE OF HISTORICAL FACTORS ON
CARIBBEAN LANGUAGE SITUATIONS.
When Christopher
Columbus arrived in the
Caribbean, he found the
Amerindians; they had
clearly defined languages.
Some of which are still
spoken in the Caribbean in
countries such as Guyana
and Suriname. The
Languages were known as
Lokono, and Igneri.
THE INFLUENCE OF HISTORICAL FACTORS ON
CARIBBEAN LANGUAGE SITUATIONS.
� The arrival of the Spanish
as the first European
Colonizers saw the
decimation of Amerindian
languages and the death of
Lokono languages in
countries such as Jamaica.
� The Carib languages
survived through the
mixing of African slaves
and Caribs. This language is
known as Garifuna and is
spoken in Belize by the
Black Caribs.
THE INFLUENCE OF HISTORICAL FACTORS ON
CARIBBEAN LANGUAGE SITUATIONS.
� The Spanish first colonized the
Caribbean; however, by the
seventeenth century, the Spanish
monopoly on the New World was
broken when the English, Dutch,
French and Portuguese arrived.
� Each European fought over land
and went on to colonize different
islands.
� Each county brought their
languages with them. However,
most of the Europeans spoke non-
standard dialects of their country’s
language
� The Spanish influence is seen in
Cuba, Puerto Rico, Dominican
Republic, Jamaica etc.
� “Brawta and Cimarron”
THE INFLUENCE OF HISTORICAL FACTORS ON
CARIBBEAN LANGUAGE SITUATIONS.
� With the entrance of the
English in the New World,
English fought and captured
many territories.
� Many of these territories were
immediately taken over by the
British but the influence of the
previous colonizers remained.
The conquest and reconquest
of of territories by rival
Europeans powers created a
multilingualism in many
Caribbean countries.
� When the need arose for cheap
labour to work on plantations,
Africans were captured and
enslaved. They brought with
them the African Languages
from the West Coast of Africa
such as Yoruba, Twi, Kw, Ibo
etc.
� Slave owners bought saves
from many different ethnic
groups so that few slaves
spoke the same language.
� As a result, lingua francas/
pidgins and Creoles developed
across territories.
THE INFLUENCE OF HISTORICAL FACTORS ON
CARIBBEAN LANGUAGE SITUATIONS.
� After emancipation,
indentured workers came to
the Caribbean from China,
India, Portugal and in the
late twentieth century
settlers came from the
Middle East (Syria and
Lebanon). These groups
brought their own
languages and cultures.
� These languages merged
with the existing Creoles
and languages in the region
such as the names of food,
dress etc.
� Even though the colonizers’
languages are seen as
official languages and are
most times socially
accepted, the Creole
Languages are more widely
used in Caribbean
countries.
� Regional integration and
Internal Migration in the
region has also affected the
language development and
situations.
 THE INFLUENCE OF HISTORICAL FACTORS ON
CARIBBEAN LANGUAGE SITUATIONS.

� For instance, in St. Lucia � In Panama, Wari Wari has

French Creole has flourished
due to the migration of people
from Martinique and
Guadeloupe.
� In Antigua and Cuba,
Jamaican immigrants have
influenced the language
demographics.
� Mek-a-tel-yuh/Limon- is a
creole developed in Costa
Rica by Jamaicans when they
immigrated to this country to
work on banana plantations.
been developed and is a
spoken by descendants of
Jamaicans.
� In Guyana, Creolese was
influenced by Jamaica and
Barbadian English
� while Venezuela has El
Callalo which was introduced
by Guyanese immigrants.
� American influence through
media etc.
THE INFLUENCE OF HISTORICAL FACTORS ON
CARIBBEAN LANGUAGE SITUATIONS.
� Jamaican Maroon spirit-possession language, Maroon Spirit
language, Jamaican Maroon Creole or Deep patwa is a 
ritual language and formerly mother tongue of 
Jamaican Maroons. It is an English-based creole with a strong 
Akan component, specifically from the Fante dialect of the 
Central Region of Ghana. It is distinct from usual 
Jamaican Creole, being similar to the creoles of Sierra Leone (
Krio) and Suriname such as Sranan and Ndyuka. It is also
more purely Akan than regular Patois, with little to no
contribution from other African languages. Today, the Maroon
Spirit language is used by Jamaican Maroons (largely 
Coromantees) while possessed by the spirits of ancestors
during Kromanti ceremonies or when addressing those who are
possessed.
OTHER FACTORS THAT INFLUENCE THE
CARIBBEAN LANGUAGE SITUATION.
� Social – in the Caribbean language is used to stratify
society. The language of the people with power becomes
the standard language. The Standard Language ensures
that it is the main vehicle of upward social mobility.
� This highlights that the attitudes towards non-standard
languages are negative. This leads to marginalization and
prejudice towards people who are predominantly Creole
speakers.
� None-standard languages are seen as “bad” speaking and
only accepted in informal settings or for the arts Can you
find examples?
OTHER FACTORS THAT INFLUENCE THE
CARIBBEAN LANGUAGE SITUATION.
� Political
� In Caribbean societies many people do not support the
standardization of Creole and condemn and criticize
bilingual education.
� However, politics can be used to preserve nonstandard
languages and convene groups and policies to plan
language policies. Only, Haiti has made Creole one of its
official languages.
� The Most Honourable Portia Simpson Miller was twice
elected Prime Minister of Jamaica even though she
spoke predominantly English Creole (Patois) . What
does this mean for acceptability of the language?
OTHER FACTORS THAT INFLUENCE THE
CARIBBEAN LANGUAGE SITUATION.
� Cultural
� Culture has contributed to nonstandard languages becoming
more acceptable.
� all aspects of the media now employ the use of Creole; thus,
Creole languages are now functioning in society outside of
just being used for small talk.
� Many cultural icons (Bob Marley, Louise Bennett-Coverley
etc) have helped for Creole to be accepted in literature and
music. English Creole plays, poetry, music etc. are being
studied in universities at home and abroad
� English Creole that was once considered as an Oral Language
is presently being used more frequently in the Written Form.
LANGUAGES SPOKEN IN THE
CARIBBEAN
IMPLICATIONS FOR REGIONAL, NATIONAL,
SOCIAL, GENDER, ETHNIC AND OTHER SUB-
GROUP RELATIONS.
ATTITUDES TO CARIBBEAN LANGUAGE: IMPLICATIONS
FOR REGIONAL, NATIONAL, SOCIAL, GENDER, ETHNIC
AND OTHER SUB-GROUP RELATIONS.
In caribbean society, there are varying attitudes to
language.
Because of the history, caribbean people tend to place a
high premium on the standard languages-the language of
power and economic might.
many people believe that upward social mobility is largely
dependent on one’s ability to fit in with a predominantly
socio-economic class, and one’s ability to use the
standard variety is the main signifier of this.
 ATTITUDES TO CARIBBEAN LANGUAGE:
IMPLICATIONS FOR REGIONAL, NATIONAL,
SOCIAL, GENDER, ETHNIC AND OTHER SUB-
GROUP RELATIONS.

Another attitude is that language is our way of identifying

or creating identity.
One’s sense of self and community is ties to the language
we speak.
Thus, marginalising any language can have dire effects on
one’s psyche.
FACTORS AFFECTING LANGUAGE
CHOICE
The use of a dialect is connected to a register.
� Education
� Familiarity
� Economic
� Status
� media
� Attitude
� Culture
� Occasion
FACTORS AFFECTING AN AUTHOR’S
USE OF DIALECT
� Audience/community
� Celebration
� Promote the Language
� Literary Tool
� eliminate Stereotype
� Comedic effect
� Familiarity/ Comfort
LANGUAGE IN INTERNATIONAL
SITUATIONS
LANGUAGE IN INTERACTIVE SETTINGS
� influence of factors such as audience, message, purpose,
occasion, gender, age, on choice of language and related
communicative behaviours.