Diglossia is the coexistence of two varieties of the same language within a single speech community, each serving distinct social functions. Typically, one is a “high” (H) variety used in formal contexts, while the other is a “low” (L) variety used in everyday conversation.
🌍 Definition
- Diglossia: A sociolinguistic situation where two language varieties are used side by side, with strict compartmentalization of roles.
- High Variety (H): Prestige form used in education, government, religion, and literature.
- Low Variety (L): Vernacular form used in daily life, informal speech, and local identity.
🔑 Characteristics
- Functional Distribution: Each variety has specific domains of use.
- Prestige Hierarchy: The H variety is often considered more “correct” or prestigious.
- Stability: Diglossia can persist for centuries, especially in regions with strong literary traditions.
- Code-Switching: Speakers may shift between H and L depending on context.
📚 Examples
- Arabic-speaking countries:
- H: Modern Standard Arabic (used in media, education, religion).
- L: Local dialects (Egyptian Arabic, Moroccan Arabic, etc.).
- Greece (historical):
- H: Katharevusa (formal, influenced by Classical Greek).
- L: Demotic Greek (spoken by the population).
- Switzerland:
- H: Standard German.
- L: Swiss German dialects.
✨ Anthropological Significance
- Identity & Power: Diglossia reflects social hierarchies and cultural ideologies.
- Language Planning: Governments often grapple with balancing H and L varieties in education and policy.
- Globalization: Diglossia interacts with bilingualism and multilingualism, shaping modern linguistic landscapes.
🛠 Summary
Diglossia is a sociolinguistic phenomenon where two varieties of the same language coexist, with one reserved for formal domains and the other for everyday use. It highlights the interplay of language, culture, and social hierarchy.
