Language and identity in the age of globalization

Abstract

"Language is a central element of any culture and society. For each\nhuman, it is the main instrument for perceiving and evaluating\nthe world around himself or herself. Language is, therefore, a\ncentral element of identity: identity implies the perception of one's own\nstrengths and weaknesses, the evaluation of one's own past, the visions\nof one's own future. Identity provides aims, direction and consistency to\nthe actions of men or women. This self-image or identity is developed\nthrough interaction with other people; one's self-image, at least to some\ndegree, must be shared and validated by others. Language plays a central\nrole. To speak a common language per se creates a feeling of communality\n(Sapir 1951: 157; Whorf 1956; Weber 1964: 305ff.; Goebl et\nal. 1996). Adequate mastery of a language is a decisive determinant of a\nsatisfactory communication with other people, and also for social recognition,\nself-confidence and the feeling of security in the world. Linguistic\nproblems, from stuttering to dumbness, probably entail the strongest\nharm to one's self-image and self-consciousness.\nIn the first part of this essay, I will elaborate the relationship between\nlanguage and identity and propose a central thesis. Subsequently, I\ndescribe five typical, different social constellations in which a change of\nlanguage can occur. Here, I will present examples from different linguistic\nareas of the world. Finally, I will present some considerations about the\nrole of language education and politics today." (excerpt)

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