1 Introduction to Sociolinguistics TOPIC 2 Language in society

2 Bilingualism and bilingual societies Societal Bilingualism Societal Bilingualism Bilingual/multilingual countries and societies are normal Bilingual/multilingual countries and societies are normal

3 Second language vs. foreign language Second language can be used to describe a language widely spoken in the country of the learner; Second language can be used to describe a language widely spoken in the country of the learner; Foreign language refers to a language taught in school which is not normally used as a means of instruction in schools or as a language of communication within the country, in the community or in bureaucracy. Foreign language refers to a language taught in school which is not normally used as a means of instruction in schools or as a language of communication within the country, in the community or in bureaucracy.

4 Is English a second or foreign language in Hong Kong? Tsang Yok-sing ‘ Lesson in double standards ’ 22/2/94 SCMP: Tsang Yok-sing ‘ Lesson in double standards ’ 22/2/94 SCMP: our language education mistakes English as a second language in the territory, which is why we spend so much on teaching the language, yet achieve so little. In fact, English has never been and will never be, anywhere near a second language in Hong Kong, which is truly recognised as a foreign language can there be any hope of it being taught and learned properly. our language education mistakes English as a second language in the territory, which is why we spend so much on teaching the language, yet achieve so little. In fact, English has never been and will never be, anywhere near a second language in Hong Kong, which is truly recognised as a foreign language can there be any hope of it being taught and learned properly.

5 How do bilingual societies operate? What are the roles and functions of different languages/varieties in a society? What are the roles and functions of different languages/varieties in a society? E.g. Cantonese, Putonghua and English in Hong Kong E.g. Cantonese, Putonghua and English in Hong Kong

6 Diglossia Holmes: The use of two varieties in a society, distinguished by function Holmes: The use of two varieties in a society, distinguished by function High and Low varieties; High and Low varieties; Typical functions of the H variety: Typical functions of the H variety: Literature, education, law, government administration, news broadcasts; Literature, education, law, government administration, news broadcasts; H variety used on formal/official occasions e.g. delivering a speech; holding a meeting. The H variety is usually learnt in school. H variety used on formal/official occasions e.g. delivering a speech; holding a meeting. The H variety is usually learnt in school. L variety used for everyday, more informal purposes. L variety is usually an L1 and learnt at home. L variety used for everyday, more informal purposes. L variety is usually an L1 and learnt at home.

7 Attitudes to H and L varieties H variety has high prestige; H variety has high prestige; Why doesn’t a society use only the H variety? Why doesn’t a society use only the H variety? Overt prestige Overt prestige Covert (hidden) prestige Covert (hidden) prestige

8 The Case of Singapore Holmes Table 2.4 (p.32) Holmes Table 2.4 (p.32) H (Mandarin, Singapore English formal variety) H (Mandarin, Singapore English formal variety) L (Cantonese, Hokkien, Singapore English informal variety) L (Cantonese, Hokkien, Singapore English informal variety)

9 Watch the video on Singapore and compare its linguistic situation with that of Hong Kong (level of individual and societal bilingualism) Watch the video on Singapore and compare its linguistic situation with that of Hong Kong (level of individual and societal bilingualism)

10 Diglossia without bilingualism Luke & Richards (1982): Luke & Richards (1982): A society where two or more languages are commonly used but in which: A society where two or more languages are commonly used but in which: i) individual linguistic repertoires are largely confined to one of the languages i) individual linguistic repertoires are largely confined to one of the languages ii) a single language is used for intra-group communication ii) a single language is used for intra-group communication iii) bilingualism is restricted to certain areas of public life iii) bilingualism is restricted to certain areas of public life iv) the bilingual population is small iv) the bilingual population is small v) the two speech communities rarely mix v) the two speech communities rarely mix