SOCIOLINGUISTICS AND PERSONAL IDENTITY: THE INTERRELATIONSHIP OF LANGUAGE AND IDENTITY
Keywords:
sociolinguistics, personal identity, language variation, code-switching, linguistic identity, social class, gender and language, ethnicity, language and power, identity construction.Abstract
This paper explores the intricate relationship between sociolinguistics and personal identity, delving into how language shapes, reflects, and constructs individual and group identities. In contemporary societies, language serves as a crucial tool for communication, but it also functions as a marker of social belonging and personal expression. The study highlights the role of sociolinguistic variables such as accent, dialect, and language choice in the formation of personal and social identities. By examining various sociolinguistic theories and case studies, this article aims to shed light on the complex dynamics between language and identity, offering insights into how linguistic practices influence self-perception, social interactions, and cultural identification.
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