Language and Ethnicity

Abstract

After defining ethnicity and the ethnic group, this article states that language is usually high up on the list of features most often used as ethnic markers. When it is used as the sole or defining criterion of ethnic identity, the question of the relationship between language and ethnicity becomes tautological. Against this premature identification of linguistic group and ethnic group, cases of ethnic groups are cited which define themselves as such and are perceived as such by their neighbors and do not share one language. Other examples illustrate that there is no clear correlation between feelings of otherness/hostility and level of linguistic difference. The role of language and beliefs about language are discussed in the context of the evolution of the nation-state. Macro-categories like language families are also found to have a variety of roles in identity discourses. Some originally linguistic classifications are used with genocidal intention, although they lack a linguistic or historical foundation by modern academic standards. Written and spoken language can also have different meanings for ethnic identification. After acquiring a second language, communities may continue to use the old alphabet, also for the newly acquired language, or they may use the newly acquired writing system even for their original language.