LANGUAGE OFFICIALIZATION IN PUERTO RICO: GROUP-MAKING DISCOURSES OF PROTECTIONISM AND RECEPTIVITY

Abstract

This article applies social constructionism and groupism theory to discourses on language officialization in Puerto Rico. It examines three argumentative texts presented prior to the passage of Law #4 in 1991 making Spanish the sole official language of the island. Grounded critical discourse theory maintains that language form and content are inextricably linked; thus, the article examines how protectionist and receptive discourses present in all three texts variably make recourse to forms of groupism through the use of linguistic resources in the first person plural. Specific acts of framing, accompanied by inclusive, exclusive, and ambiguous reference, enable all three proponents to make the argument that “we the Puerto Rican people” stand behind what are in reality opposing points of view. A muted call for moving beyond groupism also can be identified in these texts, which potentially forms a third space within which are integrated both protectionist and receptive discourses. More broadly speaking this paper is applicable to the study of the nature of political discourse and its contributions to and effects on language policy worldwide.

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