What is the relationship between language and identity? How do bilinguals sort between their two languages and cultures to form their identity? In bilingual cultures, is one language always dominant? What happens when a language or dialect is distinct from the dominant language or dialect of the greater society? Why did language resurgence efforts fail in Ireland but succeed in Catalonia, Spain? Why does Guarani enjoy greater protection in Paraguay than Mayan dialects in Guatemala? Is it possible to legislate language behavior? The course explores issues of power and solidarity where two languages or dialects are in contact: How are these cultural identities expressed through choice of language? The geographical areas studied include the US, Canada, Latin America, Europe, and Africa. Note: This course fulfills the Human Behavior (GB) requirement for students under GenEd and Individual & Society (IN) for students under Core.
Students cannot receive credit for this course if they have successfully completed Spanish 0826.