LANGUAGE ATTITUDES

IN BILINGUALISM
PRESENTED BY: MUDASSIR LATIF

PRESENTED TO: PROF. DR. SAFDAR HUSSAIN

M.PHIL ENGLISH LINGUISTICS

UNIVERSITY OF EDUCATION LAHORE, MULTAN CAMPUS

INTRODUCTION

 Definition of Language Attitudes: Language attitudes refer to individuals' feelings

and evaluations towards languages. These attitudes can be positive, negative, or
neutral and play a crucial role in shaping language use and maintenance within
bilingual communities.
 Bilingualism and Sociolinguistics: Bilingualism involves the use of two languages,
and within the context of sociolinguistics, it provides a rich field for studying the
dynamic interplay of languages in diverse communities.
THE ROLE OF LANGUAGE ATTITUDES
 Importance:
Individual attitudes toward language play a crucial role in language maintenance,
especially in bilingual or multilingual communities.
 Positive Language Attitudes:
Positive attitudes, such as pride and appreciation, contribute to the preservation and
active use of a language.
 Connection to Language Preservation:
Establishes the link between positive language attitudes and the sustainability of a
language, emphasizing the role of individual perceptions in language maintenance
efforts.
BILINGUALISM AND IDENTITY
Bilingualism as Identity Formation:
Bilingualism is integral to the formation of individual and collective identities
within a community.
Language Attitudes and Identity:
Discusses how language attitudes influence the sense of belonging and cultural
identity in bilingual individuals.
Relevance to Language Maintenance:
Highlights the connection between positive language attitudes, strong bilingual
identity, and the likelihood of active language maintenance within a community.
CODE-SWITCHING AND LANGUAGE MAINTENANCE
Introduction to Code-Switching:
Code-switching is a practice of alternating between two languages within a
conversation.
Positive Attitudes Impact on Code-Switching:
Positive language attitudes can influence the frequency and acceptance of code-
switching in bilingual communities.
Language Maintenance Connection:
Code-switching is a linguistic phenomenon and a potential tool for language
maintenance when supported by positive language attitudes.
ATTITUDES TOWARDS HERITAGE LANGUAGES

Exploration of Heritage Languages:

Examines attitudes toward heritage languages within bilingual contexts, often languages
passed down through generations.
Positive Attitudes as a Preserving Force:
Discusses the impact of positive language attitudes in fostering the preservation of
heritage languages.
LANGUAGE POLICIES AND ATTITUDES

 Dynamic Relationship: There's a dynamic interaction between language policies

and societal attitudes towards bilingualism.
 Positive Attitudes: Favorable public and individual attitudes towards languages
can greatly enhance the effectiveness of language maintenance policies.
 Policy Effectiveness: Language policies are more likely to succeed in
environments where there is a positive sentiment towards language diversity.
EDUCATION AND LANGUAGE ATTITUDES

 Role of Education: Education significantly influences language attitudes in bilingual

communities by shaping perceptions and valuing multiple languages.
 Positive Attitudes in Educational Programs: It's crucial for educational programs to
foster positive attitudes towards all languages spoken by students to support language
maintenance.
 Strategies for Integration: The text explores strategies for incorporating positive
language attitudes into educational programs, which is key to creating a supportive
environment for bilingualism and language preservation.
CONCLUSION

Language attitudes play a critical role in the vitality and maintenance of languages
within bilingual communities. Positive attitudes towards all languages in such
settings are essential for fostering an environment where bilingualism is not only
accepted but celebrated. Education systems that promote and incorporate multiple
languages effectively support linguistic diversity, and this, in turn, can have a
profound impact on the cognitive, social, and cultural development of individuals.
The successful integration of positive language attitudes in education and policy can
lead to a more inclusive and linguistically rich society, ensuring that languages
continue to thrive for future generations.