CEU Electronic Theses and Dissertations, 2014
| Author | Dias, Kendra Lauren |
|---|---|
| Title | Linguistic dimensions to ethno-national identity: the Avars of contemporary Dagestan |
| Summary | More work must be done on regions with pervasive multilingualism so researchers can continue to develop our knowledge of the role language has to play in everyday identity; as opposed to the assumption that language choice is a matter of cost-benefit analysis. Thus this thesis addresses the issue of the balance of concentric identities in Dagestan by focusing special attention on the function of linguistic choice and differentiation in identity formation. Specifically, how language choice (more pointedly linguistic preservation) can inform and represent different types of identity, in order to show the complexities of everyday identity. The study of perceptions, attitudes, and choices regarding one’s language and identity needs to be investigated through case studies involving real people. Thus data has been collected through a series of focus group interviews, individual interviews, surveys, as well as substantial non-participant observations. For Avars, linguistic identity is preserved precisely because of its conflation with ethnic identity which is continuously reified by the language choices of everyday interactions. However, the traditional multilingualism of Dagestan coupled with the institutionalization of linguistic and ethnic categories in what is now the Russian Federation have entrenched the complex and concentric spheres of identity that inform everyday life for Avars as well as helping to preserve the linguistic matrix of social relations throughout the Republic. |
| Supervisor | Pap, Andras Laszlo |
| Department | Nationalism Studies MA |
| Full text | https://www.etd.ceu.edu/2014/paradis_kendra.pdf |
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