Linguistic Differentiation in Mayan Language Revitalization in Guatemala

Abstract

This paper presents a quantitative study of syntactic change in the context of Mayan language revitalization in Guatemala. Quantitative analyses of grammatical variation and code-switching patterns were used to examine the degree of Spanish influence in the speech of three generations of Sipakapense-Spanish bilinguals. The younger generations show lower frequencies of code-switching compared to the oldest generation. In terms of syntactic variation, younger speakers show patterns that suggest a resistance to influence from Spanish. The results suggest that younger speakers are hyperdifferentiating the two languages by avoiding traditional Sipakapense constructions that could be interpreted as resulting from Spanish influence. The analysis highlights the important role of language ideology in cases of language change due to contact and language shift.

Document Type

Article

Publication Date

6-8-2008

Notes/Citation Information

Published in Journal of Sociolinguistics, v. 12, issue 3, p. 275-305.

© The author 2008

Digital Object Identifier (DOI)

https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1467-9841.2008.00368.x

Funding Information

This research was supported by an NSF dissertation grant (SBR 94-15044) and an IEE Fulbright fellowship.

Link to Full Text

Contact Author

Share

COinS