Silesian and Cashubian Ethnolects as Contrasting Types of Ethnic Identity Strengthening

• Authors: Małgorzata Haładewicz-Grzelak
• Languages of publication: EN

Abstracts

EN

The research reported in the article investigates sociolinguistic factors of ethnic identity change and identity strengthening, as exemplified on the processes of ethnic revival in the regions of Upper Silesia and Cashuby. The article compares selected aspects of synchronic and diachronic situation of the two ethnolects in Poland: Cashubian and Silesian. The analysis singles out some focal points around which ethnic identity tends to concentrate, for example identity bonds, official inscriptions, language of instruction. The identity strengthening strategies in the respective ethnolects are then compared and discussed. The framework is based on sociological and anthropological theories, e.g.rational choice theory, functionalism as well as on the semiotic rich-get-richer principle, the paradigm of visual anthropology and the technique of visual essay.

Keywords

EN

contrastive identity study; identity shift versus identity strengthening; covert versus overt identity; language standardization; language shift versus revitalization

• Publisher: Polskie Towarzystwo Socjologiczne
• Journal: Polish Sociological Review
• Year: 2006
• Volume: 156
• Issue: 4
• Pages: 425-448

Dates

published

2006-12-29

Contributors

author

Małgorzata Haładewicz-Grzelak

• Opole University of Technology