Transnational policy and 'authenticity' discourses on Romani language and identity

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

Abstract

Romani is a fascinating test case for the role that language plays in the process of identity consolidation in a transnational context. Standardisation is no longer inherently connected to the 'territorialisation' of language. Instead, we witness a bottom-up process in which individuals take ownership of language and negotiate language practices. Status regulation and language planning can be instigated and even implemented by institutions other than national states. All of this leads to pluralism of form rather than unification. Yet language remains a key locus for political mobilisation. It allows players to claim authenticity, it offers opportunities for intervention by external facilitators, and it provides a discussion platform through which traditional images can be challenged and recognition can be awarded.

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)295-316
Number of pages22
JournalLanguage in Society
Volume44
Issue number3
DOIs
StatePublished - 25 Jun 2015
Externally publishedYes

Bibliographical note

Publisher Copyright:
© Cambridge University Press, 2015.

Keywords

  • Romani
  • language planning
  • language policy
  • standardization
  • transnationalism

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Language and Linguistics
  • Sociology and Political Science
  • Linguistics and Language

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