Languages of borderlands, borders of languages: Native and foreign language use in intergroup contact between Czechs and their neighbours

0426418 - PSÚ 2014 RIV SK eng J - Journal Article
Petrjánošová, M. - Leix, Alicja
Languages of borderlands, borders of languages: Native and foreign language use in intergroup contact between Czechs and their neighbours.
Human Affairs. Roč. 23, č. 4 (2013), s. 658-679. ISSN 1210-3055
R&D Projects: GA ČR GA13-25656S
Institutional support: RVO:68081740
Keywords : native language * foreign language * intergroup contact
Subject RIV: AN - Psychology

In this text we present a qualitative analysis of empirical material from an international project on intergroup attitudes and contact in Czech Republic, Austria, Germany, Poland and Slovakia specifically concerning language use. We analyzed open statements about the contact situations and the ensuing evaluation of the Others (N=1959). After a short theoretical introduction we reveal the intertwined nature of construing language use: first in each specific borderland, then in the triads speaking together either in the native language of one of the groups (Czechs with Austrians and Germans) or with each speaking their own native languages (Czechs with Poles and Slovaks). Finally we highlight several effects we have observed as a result of being able to compare the situation in more than one neighbourhood: the effect of the different statuses of the languages involved, or the connection between the language used in contact and a feeling of proximity.
Permanent Link: http://hdl.handle.net/11104/0232148