Kuliah Sosiolinguistik: Bilingualisme dan Diglosia

Summary

In this lecture, Rahmat Fauzi Quran explores the concepts of bilingualism and diglossia, discussing their definitions, implications, and real-world examples. He explains bilingualism as the ability of individuals to use two or more languages for different purposes, and delves into the debate among experts about what constitutes full bilingualism. He also examines how languages interact in a community, highlighting situations where different languages or dialects serve distinct roles, such as formal versus informal communication. The lecture concludes with an exploration of diglossia, where languages or dialects within a community serve different social functions, illustrating this with examples from various cultures.

Takeaways

• 😀 Bilingualism refers to the ability of an individual to use two or more languages for various purposes.
• 😀 There are multiple definitions of bilingualism, ranging from equal proficiency in both languages to a dynamic, evolving process.
• 😀 Leonard Bloomfield's definition of bilingualism suggests equal proficiency in two languages, but this is difficult to measure due to the complexity of language skills.
• 😀 Bilingualism can develop in stages, starting with basic proficiency in one language and gradually improving in the second.
• 😀 Dialectal bilingualism is a type of bilingualism where individuals can switch between dialects of the same language based on context.
• 😀 Diglossia is the coexistence of two languages or varieties in a community, each serving a different function, such as formal vs. informal language.
• 😀 In diglossia, languages may be used for specific social roles, e.g., Javanese for informal communication and Indonesian for official matters in Semarang.
• 😀 Perfect diglossia occurs when two languages can replace each other in various contexts, such as in Montreal where both English and French are used equally.
• 😀 More common diglossia involves a division of functions, where one language is used for higher social roles (e.g., official language) and another for lower roles (e.g., informal speech).
• 😀 Bilingualism and diglossia are interconnected as both describe the use of multiple languages in a community, but they differ in how those languages function within society.

Q & A

What is bilingualism, and how is it defined in the context of this script?

Bilingualism refers to the ability of a person to use two or more languages for different purposes. It is generally defined as the competence to speak two languages, although there are debates about whether both languages must be equally proficient.

What challenges are associated with measuring bilingualism?

Measuring bilingualism is challenging because there are various aspects of language use, such as vocabulary and syntax, that might not be equally developed in both languages. For example, one may excel at vocabulary in one language but struggle with syntax in another.

How does Leonard Bloomfield's view on bilingualism differ from others?

Leonard Bloomfield proposed that bilingualism involves having equal proficiency in both languages, but this is considered difficult to measure. This view is criticized because it overlooks the reality that proficiency in different aspects of language may vary.

What is the concept of 'progressive bilingualism' as described in the transcript?

Progressive bilingualism refers to the gradual improvement in proficiency in a second language (B2) while initially mastering a first language (B1). Over time, the individual may balance their proficiency in both languages or see one language dominate depending on social context.

What is the difference between bilingualism involving two distinct languages and bilingualism involving two varieties of the same language?

Some experts argue that bilingualism can occur either between two distinct languages, such as Mandarin and English, or between two varieties of the same language, such as different dialects of a language. Both are seen as valid forms of bilingualism depending on how language varieties are used in different contexts.

How does the social context influence the use of B1 and B2 in bilingual communities?

The use of B1 and B2 depends on the social context, such as the status and function of each language. For example, a language might be used for formal purposes, like in government or education, while another might be used informally in personal or family settings.

What is code-switching, and how is it related to bilingualism?

Code-switching is the practice of alternating between two languages within a conversation. It often occurs in bilingual communities, especially when speakers switch languages based on the social context or topic of discussion.

What is diglossia, and how does it differ from bilingualism?

Diglossia refers to the situation where two languages or varieties of the same language are used in a community, but with clearly defined roles or functions. It differs from bilingualism in that it typically involves one language being used for formal situations and another for informal contexts, rather than equal proficiency in both languages.

Can diglossia occur with variations of the same language, such as dialects? Provide an example.

Yes, diglossia can also involve variations of the same language, such as different dialects. An example is the Javanese language in Indonesia, where there are distinct levels of speech like 'ngoko', 'krama', and 'krama inggil', each used in different social situations depending on formality and respect.

How does the concept of 'perfect diglossia' apply in specific regions, like Montreal?

Perfect diglossia refers to a situation where two languages, such as English and French in Montreal, are used interchangeably in similar social contexts. Both languages function similarly across domains such as education, social interaction, and business, demonstrating a high degree of functional interchangeability.