Sociolinguistics and Multilingualism

Paper Summary:

The paper offers an introduction to the article by Aikhenvald entitled "Multilingualism and Ethnic Stereotypes: The Tariana of the Northwest Amazonia" and explains the main arguments presented. The paper then focuses on the weaknesses of the article as well as the interesting points that can be noticed.

Outline:
Introduction
Main Arguments
Weaknesses
Interesting Points/Support
Questions

From the Paper:

"Aikhenvald (2003) touches upon a range of sociolinguistic topics in her article. The main focus is the use and choice of language in a rather special multilingual speech community and its contribution to the reproduction of ethnic stereotypes associated with each language. As Aikhenvald gives a detailed introduction to the topic and provides much background information on the Tariana, the article is easy comprehensible and suitable for any Linguist or Linguistics student. The discussion of the topic offers an interesting combination of sociolinguistic concepts such as code-mixing and code-switching, repertoires, identity, prestige and respect of the languages and their speakers, as well as rules for language choice."

Sample of Sources Used:

• Aikhenvald, A. Y., 2003. Multilingualism and ethnic stereotypes: The Tariana of the Northwest Amazonia. Language in Society, 32, 1-21.
• Durkacz, Victor Edward, 1983. The Decline of the Celtic languages: A Study of Linguistic and Cultural Conflict in Scotland, Wales and Ireland from the Reformation to the Twentieth Century. Edinburgh: John Donald Publishers Ltd.
• Anderson, Michael, 2002. It's a Culture Thing : Children, Language and Boundary in the Bicultural Family. In P. Gubbins and M. Holt (eds), Beyond Boundaries: Language and Identity in Contemporary Europe. Clevedon: Multilingual Matters Ltd
• Holmes, Janet, 2001. An Introduction to Sociolinguistics. England: Pearson Education Limited. 2nd edn.
• Jackson, J. E., 1974. The Fish People: Linguistic Exogamy and Tukanoan Identity in Northwest Amazonia. Cambridge: Cambridge University Press.

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