Language Ideology and Linguistic
Irvine and Susan Gal’s study of Language Ideology and Linguistic differentiation mainly aims at linguistic differentiation. Hence, the observers can analyze and understand the different language used and how to use them on people and events accordingly. Sociolinguistic complexity is rationalized by locating and interpreting the linguistic differences to establish the semiotic process.
Linguistic change is demonstrated amongst the Nguni community with the use of click consonants in their communication. For years people have associated clicking as sound created by objects hitting one another; others have associated it with hens and ducks. Nonetheless, it is iconic and clear to hypothesize that the early man may have associated well with the clicks, which ultimately evolved. The Nguni community loans some words from the Khoi, whose language is also full of clicks, demonstrating the symbiotic relationship of language groups. Furthermore, the sound sequence was taught to avoid mistakenly enunciate the name of any respected persons.
Hlonipha’s behavior pattern is adopted as a form of respect that mainly involves avoiding eye contact and covering one’s body. The forms of respect called hlonipha is traced to many Bantu speakers and ultimately spreads through sociolinguistics interactions. Eventually, Irvin and Gal make a language mapping of the Senegalese during the French colonize of African communities. The language was linked in the era which saw Europeans need for differentiation as Senagalese language is embedded in these differences. Thus, iconization is demonstrated when mapping as a particular linguistic, family tree, map drawing describes these linguistic particulars.
Finally, in Erasure, Irvin and Gal demonstrate the effects of language through social change at a deeper level. The incorporation of phonological shifts and other changes that are bound to happen due to socialization may lead to a linguistic shift. Thus, erasure of some linguistic may occur slowly, but eventually, the change is visible.