Course Code:

(ELT- 5211)
Course Taught By

Professor Abdul Quyum Nizami

B.A (Hons) & M.A in English, BCS (Education)

Professor & Head, Department of English
Cumilla Victoria Govt. College (PLR)
Topic to be discussed
Language and Ethnicity
 • If someone asked you to describe your identity,
where do you think you'd start? Would you mention
where you were born and where you live? Would
you mention who your parents are and the languages
that you speak? If so, these are factors that
contribute to your ethnic identity.
Introduction • Ethnicity is an important social factor for many
people. Our ethnic background influences both our
cultural and language practices, meaning that it can
become a big part of our identity. Language is
therefore a way of expressing our ethnicity and
identity.
 What is ethnicity?
• An ethnicity or ethnic group is a grouping of people who identify with each other on the basis of perceived shared
attributes that distinguish them from other groups. Those attributes can include common sets of traditions, ancestry,
language, history, society, nation, religion, or social treatment within their residing areaThe term ethnicity is often
used interchangeably with the term nation, particularly in cases of ethnic nationalism.
• Ethnicity may be construed as an inherited or societally imposed construct. Ethnic membership tends to be defined
by a shared cultural heritage, ancestry, origin
myth, history, homeland, language, dialect, religion, mythology, folklore, ritual, cuisine, dressing style, art,
or physical appearance.
• Ethnic groups may share a narrow or broad spectrum of genetic ancestry, depending on group identification, with
many groups having mixed genetic ancestry. By way of language shift, acculturation, adoption, and religious
conversion, individuals or groups may over time shift from one ethnic group to another. Ethnic groups may be
divided into subgroups or tribes, which over time may become separate ethnic groups themselves due
to endogamy or physical isolation from the parent group. Conversely, formerly separate ethnicities can merge to
form a pan-ethnicity and may eventually merge into one single ethnicity. Whether through division or
amalgamation, the formation of a separate ethnic identity is referred to as ethnogenesis. (Wikipedia)
The Relationship between Language & Ethnicity
• Language and ethnicity are often closely linked. A person’s ethnicity
can influence the language they speak, and the language they speak
can influence their ethnic identity. For example, someone who speaks
Spanish may identify as Hispanic, while someone who speaks
Mandarin may identify as Chinese. The language they speak is an
important aspect of their ethnic identity.
• However, the relationship between language and ethnicity is not
always straightforward. There are many cases where people may speak
a language that is not traditionally associated with their ethnicity. For
example, someone of Indian heritage may speak English as their first
language, rather than Hindi or Punjabi. In these cases, language may
not be a reliable indicator of a person’s ethnicity.
The Impact of Language and Ethnicity on
Identity
• Language and ethnicity can have a significant impact on a person’s sense of
identity. They can influence how people perceive themselves and how others
perceive them. For example, someone who speaks a language that is associated
with a particular ethnic group may feel a stronger connection to that group and
identify more strongly with their ethnicity.
• Similarly, language can be a powerful tool for expressing and reinforcing a
person’s ethnic identity. For example, someone who speaks a regional dialect may
use it to signal their membership in a particular community. Language can also be
a way to differentiate between different ethnic groups and to reinforce cultural
boundaries.
• However, the relationship between language and ethnicity can also be a source of
conflict. In some cases, language can be used as a tool of oppression, with
dominant groups using their language to marginalize and exclude minority
communities. For example, in the United States, English has historically been used
to marginalize non-English speaking immigrant communities.
Ethnicity in Language Variation
• Language variation is evident in every language, and ethnicity plays a vital role in
language variation. Ethnicity refers to a group of people who share cultural
practices, beliefs, customs, and linguistic traits. Language variation is a significant
part of ethnicity, and it is seen in accents, dialects, vocabulary, and grammatical
changes that occur within the same language. Ethnicity and language variation
have a profound influence on how people communicate, express themselves, and
how they are perceived in their societies.
• Linguistic barriers can sometimes create a divide between different ethnic groups,
but it can also be a source of pride and identity. Language variation is often used
as a distinguishing factor for different ethnic groups. People can identify the ethnic
group of an individual based on their accents, dialects, or vocabulary. Language
variation can also indicate a person’s social status, education level, and regional
origin. The interaction between ethnicity and language variation is complex and
can vary from country to country, culture to culture, and even individual to
individual.
 Is Language Important in Ethnic Identity?
• Language is an essential part of ethnic identity. It is often said that language is the soul of
a culture. A language shapes the way people think, feel, and interact with the world
around them. When people identify with a certain ethnic group, language becomes a
critical part of their self-identity. Language connects people to their heritage, history, and
culture. It allows people to express who they are and where they come from, allowing
them to feel part of a broader community with shared values and traditions.
• Language plays a crucial role in shaping an individual’s self-esteem and pride in their
ethnicity. Language connects people to their roots and can provide a sense of belonging
and comfort. The ability to speak a language fluently can create a sense of mastery and
empowerment, and lack of proficiency can lead to feelings of inadequacy or insecurity.
• Overall, ethnic identity and language are intimately intertwined. Language is a powerful
tool for expressing oneself and creating a sense of belonging in a broader community.
Language is essential in preserving the cultural heritage of an ethnic group and is
fundamental in maintaining the unique identity of a community.
Language use as a marker of
ethnic identity
• Language use can indeed serve as a marker of ethnic identity. Language is an essential
component of cultural expression, and it plays a crucial role in shaping and reflecting the
identity of individuals and communities. Here are a few key points regarding the
relationship between language and ethnic identity:
1. Mother Tongue: Language often serves as a primary identifier of ethnic background. The
language spoken by an individual or community can signify their ethnic or cultural
heritage. For example, a person who speaks Spanish as their first language may be
identified as Hispanic or Latino/a, while someone who speaks Mandarin as their mother
tongue may be associated with Chinese ethnicity.
2. Cultural Transmission: Language is closely tied to the transmission of cultural values,
traditions, and customs from one generation to another. Immigrant communities, for
instance, frequently maintain their ethnic identity through the preservation and use of
their native language within the family or community. This linguistic continuity helps to
reinforce a sense of ethnic heritage and connection.
To be continued….

1. Linguistic Practices: Language use encompasses not only the words and grammar but also various
linguistic practices, such as accents, dialects, idioms, and specific vocabulary. These linguistic
features often become distinguishing markers of ethnic identity. For example, African American
Vernacular English (AAVE) in the United States has distinct grammatical patterns and vocabulary,
and its use can be associated with African American ethnic identity.
2. Code-Switching and Language Choice: Many individuals with multiple ethnic or cultural
backgrounds may navigate different linguistic spaces and choose to switch between languages
depending on the social context. Code-switching, the practice of alternating between two or more
languages within a conversation, can be a way to assert or express a particular ethnic identity
within specific communities or situations.
3. Language Revitalization Movements: In some cases, ethnic groups whose languages have been
marginalized or endangered due to historical factors, assimilation, or colonization, may engage in
language revitalization efforts. These initiatives aim to reclaim and promote their native language
as a vital element of their ethnic identity, cultural heritage, and community cohesion.
Language contact, creoles, and
pidgin
• When people who speak different native languages or language
varieties come into contact, they will often adapt in order to
communicate.
• Language contact refers to the interaction between two or more
languages that mix and influence each other. Language contact
happened amongst people from different ethnic groups due to various
factors such as migration and trade relations.
• Intense language contact over a short period of time leads to the
formation of language varieties called creoles and pidgins. These
language forms often reflect the history of a community and its ethnic
identities.
Pidgin

A pidgin language is a variety of language that develops due to the

mixing of two or more different groups that speak different native
languages. This usually occurs in a short period of time out of necessity,
leading to the development of a simplified version of the languages that
can be understood and used by both groups for communication.
Creole

A creole language is a stable, 'fully-fledged' form of language that often

derives from a pidgin language. Creoles tend to have more regularized,
'simplified' grammatical systems, and contain rich vocabularies deriving
from both of the original languages. They are learned as the native
language of communities.
To be cont.
• Many creoles and pidgins developed during the time of European
colonialism in the 19th and 20th centuries, in particular, 'The Scramble
for Africa'. This is when European countries such as Britain, France,
Spain, and Portugal expanded their territories by colonizing countries
across Africa.
• The languages of both Africa and Europe came into contact with each
other. The African people had to understand and use the colonizers'
language, as well as each other's native African languages, leading to
the emergence of Creoles. These were a mix of European languages,
such as English or French, with the native language spoken by the
colonized communities.
Example

• Jamaican Patois is a creole based on English and influenced

by West African languages. It is mainly spoken in Jamaica as a
native language. Jamaican Patois developed during the era of
colonization in the 17th century when enslaved people learned
English varieties spoken by slaveholders. Modern-day Jamaican
Patois sounds a bit like English but has different words,
grammar, and Jamaican pronunciation
Example

• Haitian Creole is a creole based on French and influenced by

West African languages. It is spoken as an official and native
language of Haiti and, like Jamaican patois, reflects a history of
colonization. Despite deriving from French, Haitian creole is its
own individual language.
Conclusion
• In conclusion, language and ethnicity are complex concepts that are
intertwined in many ways. While language can be a powerful tool for
expressing and reinforcing one’s ethnic identity, the relationship
between language and ethnicity is not always straightforward. The
impact of language and ethnicity on identity can be positive or
negative depending on the context.
 For the
further
study…..
Please go through the
chapter 6
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