Diglossia..docVIP

Diglossia(双语现象) Code (语码): a term which is used to refer to language, speech variety, or dialect. It is more neutral than the others. The neutral term code can be used to refer to any kind of system that two or more people employ for communication. I. A diglossic situation exists in a society when it has two distinct codes which show clear functional separation; one code is employed in one set of circumstances and the other in an entirely different set. Diglossia defined by Ferguson, Diglossia is a relatively stable language situation in which, in addition to the primary dialects of the language (which may include a standard or regional standards), there is a very divergent, highly codified (often grammatically more complex) superposed variety, the vehicle of a large and respected body of written literature, either of an earlier period or in another speech community, which is learned largely by formal education and is used for most written and formal spoken purposes but is not used by any sector of the community for ordinary conversation. II. characteristics of diglossic situation In diglossic situation, there is a “high” variety (H) of language, and a “low” variety (L). Each variety has its own specialized functions. For example: Arabic situation: classical Arabic (H), regional colloquial varieties (L) In Switzerland: standard German (H), Swiss German (L) In Haiti, Standard French (H), Haitian Creole (L) In Greece, The Katharevousa (H), Dhimotiki, Demotic (L) In each case, the two varieties have co-existed for a long period; Diglossia appears to be a persistent social and linguistic phenomenon. The two varieties are kept quite apart in their functions; Generally speaking, the H variety is used for formal circumstance, while the L varieties are used for informal circumstance. Do not use an H variety in circumstances calling for an L variety. The H variety is the prestige variety; the L variety lacks prestige. Associated with this prestige, the H variety is more