HLIN1644 Assignment 3: Language contact [50 marks]
1. Discuss the influence of language contact on your home language. Focusing on the contact outcomes identifiable in your home language use? For example:
-borrowing,
-code switching,
-language shift,
-language endangerment,
-language death,
-etc.
Important reminders
• This should be a typed 4 pages long assignment excluding the reference page.
• Provide at least 4 references.
Language contact refers to the interaction and exchange between speakers of different languages. It can have various outcomes and influences on a home language, including borrowing, code switching, language shift, language endangerment, and language death. In this essay, I will discuss the influence of language contact on my home language, with a focus on the contact outcomes identifiable in my own language use.
One of the noticeable outcomes of language contact in my home language is borrowing. Borrowing occurs when speakers of one language incorporate words or phrases from another language into their own. In my home language, there are several examples of borrowing from other languages. For instance, we often use English words for technology-related terms such as "laptop," "internet," and "email." This borrowing reflects the influence of English as a global language and the increasing importance of technology in our daily lives. Additionally, my home language has borrowed certain words from neighboring languages, enriching its vocabulary and reflecting historical and cultural connections.
Another consequence of language contact is code switching. Code switching refers to the practice of alternating between two or more languages within a conversation. In my home language, code switching is a common occurrence, especially among bilingual speakers. People often switch between my home language and English depending on the context and the people they are speaking with. For example, when conversing with friends or relatives who are fluent in both languages, code switching is used to express familiarity, inclusiveness, or to add emphasis. However, code switching can also be a result of language dominance or accommodation towards the interlocutor.
Furthermore, language shift is another observable outcome of language contact that has affected my home language. Language shift refers to the gradual replacement of a home language with another language. In my community, there has been a significant shift towards English as the dominant language. This shift is primarily fueled by education, global influences, and economic opportunities. Many young people, including myself, are more comfortable speaking English and tend to use it more frequently in formal settings. This shift has resulted in a decrease in the use of my home language, especially among the younger generation.
Language endangerment and language death are also potential consequences of language contact. Language endangerment occurs when a language is at risk of losing its speakers and becoming extinct. While my home language is not currently endangered, there are concerns about its future vitality. As more speakers shift towards English, the transmission of the language to the younger generations is in jeopardy. If steps are not taken to promote the use and preservation of my home language, it could eventually become endangered or even extinct.
In conclusion, language contact has had a significant influence on my home language. Borrowing, code-switching, language shift, language endangerment, and language death are all outcomes of language contact that are identifiable in my own language use. The borrowing of words from other languages, code-switching between my home language and English, and the shift towards English as the dominant language are prominent examples of how language contact has shaped the linguistic landscape of my community. It is crucial to recognize and address these influences to ensure the preservation and vitality of my home language for future generations.
References:
Crystal, D. (2003). English as a Global Language. Cambridge University Press.
Matras, Y. (2009). Language contact. Cambridge University Press.
Muhlhausler, P., & Harré, R. (2018). The sociolinguistics of language endangerment. Cambridge University Press.
Thomason, S. (2001). Language Contact: An Introduction. Edinburgh University Press.