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English as the world language in traditional contexts: evidence from Vorarlberg.

Authors :
Davydova, Julia
Ilg, Angelika
Source :
Journal of Multilingual & Multicultural Development; Dec2023, Vol. 44 Issue 10, p877-892, 16p
Publication Year :
2023

Abstract

The study explores the extent to which linguistic globalisation and the ever increasing dominance of English shapes the perceptions of linguistic diversity in traditional sociolinguistic milieus. We set out to investigate the attitudes of 142 respondents from Vorarlberg, an Austrian province, towards their home dialects, High German, a local standardised variety, and English. While drawing on a verbal guise test (VGT) and a questionnaire as the main methods of study, we show that local dialects are viewed as badges of local identities, whereas standard German is appreciated for its utilitarian value. Remarkably, English emerges as a language of enormous social prestige with high levels of social attractiveness. English is further seen as a language allowing the inhabitants of Vorarlberg to connect to the larger world and become part of the global dialogue. We argue that rather than eroding the local cultures, English adds to the sociolinguistic fabric of traditionally diglossic societies, rendering their linguistic texture even more complex and enriched, not impoverished. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Details

Language :
English
ISSN :
01434632
Volume :
44
Issue :
10
Database :
Complementary Index
Journal :
Journal of Multilingual & Multicultural Development
Publication Type :
Academic Journal
Accession number :
174033045
Full Text :
https://doi.org/10.1080/01434632.2020.1863971