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Diglossia

Diglossia refers to the coexistence of two distinct varieties of the same language, each serving specific functions in society. The 'H-variety' is used in formal settings and holds high social prestige, while the 'L-variety' is used in informal contexts and has low social prestige. Ferguson's classic definition outlines nine criteria that characterize diglossia, including function, prestige, and acquisition.

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4 views7 pages

Diglossia

Diglossia refers to the coexistence of two distinct varieties of the same language, each serving specific functions in society. The 'H-variety' is used in formal settings and holds high social prestige, while the 'L-variety' is used in informal contexts and has low social prestige. Ferguson's classic definition outlines nine criteria that characterize diglossia, including function, prestige, and acquisition.

Uploaded by

anas.bdtechnology
Copyright
© All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
Available Formats
Download as PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd

Diglossia

Proponents

Charles A. Ferguson (1959)


Classic definition
Fishman (1967)
Extended view
What is diglossia

Two distinct varieties of the same language


coexisting
With distinct and designated yet complimentary
functions
Varieties

H- variety L-variety
High variety
Standard Low variety
Used in formal settings Dialects
(education, academic Used in informal settings
writing, literature, (home, conversations
journalism/media)
between friends/family,
High social prestige media)
Superior Low social prestige
Has dictionaries
No dictionaries (usually)
Acquired formally through
education (depending on Acquired naturally at home
the exposure) (depending on the
exposure)
Example: standard Bangla Example: dialects, creoles
Ferguson’s Classic definition of diglossia (nine
criteria)

1. Function
2. Prestige
3. Literary heritage
4. Acquisition
5. Standardization
6. Stability
7. Grammar
8. Lexicon
9. Phonology
Next class

Extended view
Bangladesh context

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