Regional Nationalism in Spain

Language Use and Ethnic Identity in Galicia

By (author) Jaine E. Beswick

Publication date:

11 July 2007

Publisher

Multilingual Matters

Dimensions:

234x156mm
6x9"

ISBN-13: 9781853599804

This highly accessible book examines linguistic diversity in Galicia, one of the devolved regions of Spain. Its principal hypotheses are: that the Galician language is an intrinsic characteristic of Galician ethnic identity: that policy and planning impact on the behavioural practices of language users, reflected in loyalty and prestige factors: that whilst a reversal in traditional perceptions and attitudes is resulting in a reaffirmation of Galician as the autochthonous language, its sociolinguistic relationship with Castilian has not been resolved: that Galicians have to negotiate multiple identities, subject to constant change and adjustment. Through its innovative and in-depth analysis of Galician linguistic, sociolinguistic, ethnic and cultural revival and revitalisation processes, it also serves to emphasise the wider relevance of such studies to the case of minoritised languages in general.

Foreword
Preface
Introduction
Part 1 Politics and Policy: Linguistic Identity and the Role of Standardisation in Galicia
1. Language, Culture, Identity
2. The Origins of Galician
3. Contemporary Galicia: The Evolution of a Standard
Part 2 Forms and Features: Linguistic Conventions and Characteristics of Galician
4. Microlinguistic Issues: Theoretical Concepts
5. The Linguistic Differentiation of Galician
6. The Idiosyncratic Characteristics of Galician
Part 3 Prestige and Practice: Language and Identity in Galicia
7. Language Planning and Language Use in Galicia
8. Societal and Individual Roles of Galician
9. The Future of Galicia, its People, its Language
Appendices

Beswick deals with the main and most controversial topics of the linguistic situation in Galicia. She explores the relation between language and ethnic identity with a clear and courageous voice, and advances some prospects in the future of Galician. This book will interest scholars in the field of minority languages research, language ideologies and identity, and is destined to become an important work in Galician linguistics and social sciences.