Republic of the Philippines

Surigao del Sur State University

Graduate Studies
Main Campus, Rosario, Tandag City

Name: QUENNEE R. ESCOBILLO

Program: MAELT
Course Title: ElectMELT 212: Global English and Language Teaching
Instructor: Dr. Lyoid Hunahunan
Date of Submission: April 21, 2022

Activity #6

Watch the video attached herein; then, describe the link between culture, language and
identity. How are one's identity and culture affected when he/she adopts a foreign language
such as English?

The link between language and identity is a strong one and to illustrate the close link
between the two concepts, Joseph even goes as far as to claim that “the entire phenomenon of
identity can be understood as a linguistic one” (2004: 12). While Joseph’s claim may be slightly
overstating the role of language in identity, there is general agreement that language is the main
medium through which we construct and negotiate our identities and through which we perceive
others’ identities. Thus, when we speak or write we are engaged in a process of constructing our
identities in the on-going discourse. The close link between language and how our identities are
constructed and perceived by others in discourse underlines another important aspect of language
and identity: power relationships. Thus, power structures and relationships are a key feature in
understanding them. However, it is important to point out that the relationships between
languages, identity, and social status/power are not fixed in any of these aspects. For instance,
while ‘standard’ accents may be perceived as better educated, regional accents may be
considered more ‘trustworthy’.
Furthermore, learning an additional language opens up opportunities and spaces for the
construction of new identities and we may feel that we are a ‘different’ person when we learn
and use a new language. However, it is important to remember that while multilingualism
illustrates the adaptable and fluid relationships between languages, identities, and communities,
 Republic of the Philippines
Surigao del Sur State University
Graduate Studies
Main Campus, Rosario, Tandag City

again, power issues are still present, and we do not have complete freedom to construct any
identity we wish.