Diglossia

Definition

Diglossia refers to a sociolinguistic situation where two distinct varieties of the same language are used by a single language community under different circumstances. Typically, one variety is regarded as high (H) and is used in formal settings like literature, education, and government, while the other variety is low (L) and used in everyday conversation. This phenomenon can influence cross-linguistic phonological variation, as speakers may switch between varieties based on context, leading to distinct phonetic features and variations.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Diglossia often arises in societies where there is a significant historical or cultural distinction between formal and informal language use.
2. In diglossic communities, the high variety is typically taught in schools and used in official documents, while the low variety is passed down through informal communication.
3. The use of diglossia can create challenges for language learners, as they may struggle to navigate between the high and low varieties.
4. Many Arabic-speaking countries exemplify diglossia, where Modern Standard Arabic is the high variety, while various dialects serve as low varieties in daily conversation.
5. Diglossia can affect phonological features, such as pronunciation and intonation, as speakers may adopt different phonetic traits depending on whether they are using the high or low variety.

Review Questions

• How does diglossia influence language use within a community?
  • In a diglossic community, individuals navigate between two language varieties based on social context. The high variety is used in formal situations like education and media, while the low variety is reserved for casual conversations. This situation fosters distinct linguistic environments that can affect everything from vocabulary to phonology, as speakers may unconsciously adopt different speech patterns depending on their setting.
• Compare and contrast the concepts of diglossia and code-switching in terms of their impact on communication.
  • While both diglossia and code-switching involve the use of multiple language varieties, they differ fundamentally. Diglossia refers to a stable situation where two varieties coexist within a community with specific roles. Code-switching, however, occurs dynamically when speakers alternate between languages or dialects within a conversation. The impact on communication includes how effectively ideas are conveyed depending on the chosen variety and context—diglossia often creates structured patterns of language use while code-switching allows for fluidity in expression.
• Evaluate the effects of diglossia on phonological variation among speakers of a language.
  • The presence of diglossia significantly affects phonological variation as speakers adapt their pronunciation and speech patterns according to the variety they are using. For instance, a speaker might exhibit distinct phonetic traits when switching from the high variety to the low variety. This leads to variation not only in individual speech but also across different community members, which can result in identifiable phonological features unique to each context. The overall linguistic landscape becomes more complex due to these variations, influencing how language evolves within the community.

Related terms

Code-switching: The practice of alternating between two or more languages or dialects within a conversation or discourse.

Standard Language: A language variety that has undergone codification and is often used in formal settings, educational contexts, and official communications.

Bilingualism: The ability to speak and understand two languages fluently, which can lead to varying levels of proficiency in different linguistic contexts.