Language Shift and Identity: Exploring Factors Which Condition Identity When a Traditional Language is Lost

Abstract

The loss of a minority group’s language may or may not be accompanied by the loss of the same group’s identity. This study explores the factors that appear to condition identity choices among minority communities. A number of language communities in advanced stages of language shift are chosen as case studies. Based on these case studies, a framework is proposed that organizes the factors involved in group identity choices into either language internal or language ecology factors, each with their own set of relevant characteristics. The benefit of this new approach over previous explanations is its ability to describe identity choices from a wide array of motivations. Such a framework will facilitate future researchers considering this question, providing them with a roadmap to navigate the various identity options.