Linguistic discrimination

Definition

Linguistic discrimination refers to the unfair treatment of individuals based on their language or dialect. This can occur in various contexts, such as education, employment, and social interactions, where speakers of certain languages or dialects may be judged as less competent or less worthy than others. The phenomenon often stems from underlying language attitudes that associate certain ways of speaking with stereotypes and social hierarchies.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Linguistic discrimination can manifest in various ways, including being excluded from social groups or facing barriers in the workplace due to language or accent differences.
2. Studies have shown that speakers of non-standard dialects may face prejudices that affect their job prospects and educational opportunities.
3. Children can experience linguistic discrimination in schools, where teachers may unconsciously favor students who speak in a standard dialect over those who do not.
4. Linguistic discrimination is often tied to broader social issues, such as racism and classism, as certain languages or dialects may be associated with specific social groups.
5. Combating linguistic discrimination requires raising awareness about language attitudes and promoting acceptance of linguistic diversity in society.

Review Questions

• How do language attitudes contribute to linguistic discrimination in society?
  • Language attitudes significantly shape perceptions of individuals based on their speech patterns. When certain languages or dialects are viewed more favorably than others, this creates a hierarchy that can lead to discriminatory practices. For instance, speakers of a standard dialect might be seen as more educated or competent, while those using non-standard forms may face biases that affect their social standing and opportunities.
• Discuss how linguistic discrimination can impact educational settings for students who speak non-standard dialects.
  • In educational settings, linguistic discrimination can greatly disadvantage students who speak non-standard dialects. Teachers may unconsciously favor students who use a standard dialect, leading to lower expectations and fewer opportunities for engagement. This can hinder the academic progress of students who feel marginalized due to their speech, impacting their self-esteem and educational outcomes.
• Evaluate the long-term effects of linguistic discrimination on individual identity and societal cohesion.
  • Linguistic discrimination can have profound long-term effects on individual identity by fostering feelings of inferiority and alienation among affected groups. Over time, this can lead to a diminished sense of belonging and community among speakers of marginalized languages or dialects. Societal cohesion may also suffer as divisions deepen between groups perceived as 'linguistically acceptable' and those viewed as 'other,' hindering communication and mutual understanding in diverse societies.

Related terms

Language attitudes: Language attitudes are the feelings and beliefs people have about different languages or dialects, which can influence how individuals perceive and treat speakers of those languages.

Code-switching: Code-switching is the practice of alternating between two or more languages or dialects within a conversation, often used by bilingual speakers to navigate different social contexts.

Accent bias: Accent bias refers to the tendency to judge people based on their accent, which can lead to stereotypes and discrimination against individuals who speak with a different accent from the perceived norm.