Original scientific paper

Istrian Identities and Languages in Contact

Anita Sujoldžić ; Institute for Anthropological Research Zagreb

Abstract

The focus of the present study is on the interdependence of language and regional identity
set within the framework of language ideology and theory of practice. It is based on a quantitative
investigation of the language attitudes of 1,154 secondary students from the multicultural
region of Istria, which explores their perceptions of regional and national standard
varieties, and relates those perceptions to the social conditions affording status and/or
solidarity value at the regional linguistic market. By investigating linguistic categorization,
self–making and “othering” within the region, as well as spatial orientations of the respondents,
the present study analyzes ways used by speakers to define their sense of self and to
contrast themselves with others in terms of the region and in terms of the different language
varieties. The results demonstrate the correspondence among the observed evaluation
patterns with the strong regional movement and multicultural orientation of Istria. The
emerging regional identity is characterized linguistically by persistence of the regional codes
due to their symbolic and solidarity value and by resistance against hegemony and symbolic
domination of the standard language.

Keywords

language attitudes; regional identity; language domination; language ideology; Croatian; Istria

Hrčak ID:

25186

URI

https://hrcak.srce.hr/25186

Publication date:

1.7.2008.

Article data in other languages: croatian

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