The Social Life of Language - Language Ideology and Linguistic Differentiation
Key Topics
Language Ideology
Semiotic Processes:
Iconization
Erasure
Fractal Recursivity
Language Ideology
Definition: Conceptual schemas or folk theories involved in meaning-making, differentiation of concepts, and guiding behavior in social contexts.
Examples:
Public Sphere: Ideological beliefs about appropriate public and private behaviors, reactivating schemas in different contexts (e.g., Walmart, restaurants).
Fractal Recursivity
Definition: Reactivation of ideological schemes (recursion) and opposing concepts (fractal) at different scales.
Examples:
Public vs. Private Spaces: E.g., a doctor's office as a public building with private patient rooms.
Personal Contexts: House parties where rooms become public or private spaces.
Erasure
Definition: The process of rendering invisible certain people or activities that do not fit an ideological understanding.
Examples:
DACA Recipients: Erasure of non-Mexican identities and English-speaking abilities.
Language Use: Simplification of the notion of 'bad grammar' (e.g., double negatives) by ignoring alternative explanations or contradictions.
Iconization
Definition: A linguistic feature becomes emblematic of an entire person or group.
Examples:
Rap & Hip-Hop: Perceived use of double negatives linked to laziness.
Latinx Experience: Mixed language practices perceived as representative of cognitive confusion or cultural mixedness.
Interrelation of Concepts
Ideologies are layered and interdependent (e.g., racial and language ideologies).
Public and private distinctions are reactivated and reinterpreted differently based on power dynamics and contexts.
Memory Tricks
Recursivity: Think of reactivation or reoccurrence.
Fractal: Remember the mathematical fraction concept.
Ideology: Conceptual schema of beliefs.
Language Ideology: Schemas related to language and language users.
Importance
Understanding language ideologies aids in examining the treatment of language and people.
Concepts like Erasure and Iconization reveal the power dynamics of ideological constructions in society.
Conclusion
Mastering these concepts provides tools for analyzing ideologically constructed phenomena.
Repeated review and application of these terms enhance understanding and analysis.
Further Reading: Recommended to read the chapter multiple times for better understanding.