‘Linguistic safe spaces and stepping stones: rethinking mudes to Catalan through the lens of space’

Abstract

ABSTRACT Previous studies of linguistic mudes in minority language contexts, this is, biographical junctures where speakers enact changes in their linguistic repertoire, have contributed to our understanding of how linguistic codes are appropriated across the lifespan using a largely temporal frame of reference. However, our research in Catalan contexts also points to a spatial dimension to these linguistic appropriations. Life history narratives often include reference to particular social contexts in which the pressure for linguistic correctness is relaxed and where individuals can try out new forms of self-presentation. In this article, we want to develop and apply the concepts of ‘safe spaces' and ‘bridge places' used in critical feminism to sociolinguistic processes based on data gathered through ethnographic fieldwork in two spaces: Voluntariat per la llengua (Volunteering for the language - VxL) and Colles de Diables (Devil's Groups, traditional Catalan culture groups). We found that the sites we studied are spaces that act both as catalysts of mudes and spaces where usual speakers of Catalan can also feel safe to subvert the prevalent linguistic accommodation norm of not addressing non-natives in Catalan. Furthermore, they act as ‘stepping stones’ to new socialisations and give rise to alternative discourses and practices.