LibGuides: Engaging Diverse Voices through Research &amp; Resources: Language

Key Definitions

Language

“As a number of scholars have indicated..there is…link between language and the formation of identity. The process of building a self entails the construction of a (more or less coherent) narrative about one's life...identity formation is inseparable from the learning of language; to be a self is not to be separate from others but to be a successful narrator, one who skillfully draws upon social and symbolic materials to present a story applauded by others in the community.”

Source: Encyclopedia of Identity

“Language is a key dimension in the complex processes of hierarchizing groups in society and maintaining and reproducing patterns of dominance. Increasingly, language is used instead of or alongside other means of control to maintain, legitimate, effectuate, and reproduce unequal divisions of structural power and material and nonmaterial resources between elites and the dominated.”

Source: The SAGE Deaf Studies Encyclopedia

Theoretical Frameworks

Linguicism

“Linguicism (also called linguistic discrimination or languagism) is understood as treating someone unfairly or worse than others due to one's linguistic skills and performance. Linguicism may be connected with violating linguistic rights (human rights connected with language and communication) and infringing on one's freedom of using his or her mother tongue, dialect, or register in social interactions. Taking into account the scope of languagism, it may concern different levels of linguistic representation. Analyzing the macro dimension, it may involve languages, dialects, or registers. Linguistic discrimination is also connected with communication styles. Thus, some communicative behaviors may be viewed as improper or worse by others and, consequently, the users of some interactional practices as inferior.”

Source: Encyclopedia of Human Services and Diversity

Keyword Suggestions

Keep in mind that some words that were commonly used in the past have since become outdated or even offensive. You may encounter these outdated terms in your research, and you may even need to use them in your own searches in order to get a complete view of your topic, especially if your topic is historical in nature. However, please be careful about using these words yourself, especially if you do not identify as part of the community that you are researching.

Terms marked with an asterisk (*) are considered offensive by some people and should only be used for self-identifying or quoting someone who explicitly self-identifies using that term.

Click on the terms below to see related keywords.

Language (general)