Language choice in Multilangual Communities

Question 1

What is a linguistic repertoire?

Answer 1

the collection of language varieties or codes an individual can use in different social contexts.

Question 2

Example of Linguistic Repertoire

Answer 2

Kalala, living in Bukavu
* uses informal Shi with his family
* Kingwana in the marketplace
* Indoubil with his friends.

Question 3

What are domains of language use?

Answer 3

typical settings where interactions occur, influencing language choice based on participants, setting, and topic.

Question 4

What is a model of variety or code choice?

Answer 4

A model represents norms of language use within a community,

summarizing which code is typically selected for different situations.

Question 5

Example of Domains of Language Use

Answer 5

• family
• friendship
• religion
• education
• employment
  each associated with specific language varieties.

Question 6

Example of Model of Variety or Code Choice

Answer 6

Maria’s model includes
Portuguese at home
English at school
Portuguese in church

reflecting domain-based language selection

Question 7

What are social factors affecting code choice?

Answer 7

• social distance
• status relationships,
• setting, formality
• interactional goals

Question 8

Example of Social Factors Affecting Code Choice

Answer 8

• Oi Lin Tan uses Cantonese with her mother
• Singapore English with her sisters,
  reflecting familiarity and social dynamics.

Question 9

What is diglossia?

Answer 9

the coexistence of two distinct language varieties within a community, each serving different functions.

Question 10

Example of Diglossia

Answer 10

In Switzerland, Silvia uses
* Swiss German dialects in everyday interactions
* Standard German for formal contexts,