“Language, Culture, and Society” by Doris Sommer
Attempted topoi: Degree
Throughout her article, Doris Sommer brings up the notion that people who speak more than one language–bilingualism–are apt to being divided within themselves and who they really are. Sommer states, “Two languages (often more than two) and loyalties that bind them to a home country and to their hosts can seem intolerable to patriots on either side of the border–and on both sides of their own divided selves” (15). When a person comes from a bicultural/bilingual home they have this war within themselves where they feel that one language (or one culture) is taking precedence or is more advantageous than the other. Does it mean that one language has more extrinsic value over the other? Living in a society that holds onto the Eurocentric and Judeo-Christian ideals it is hard for a bicultural/bilingual person to choose the “minority” language over the hegemonic one. Assimilating and fitting in is important to all of us (even though we may not want to admit it). To a certain degree bilinguals are losing something intrinsically rewarding when they “give up their native language.” Sommer talks about how the world is possibly coming to an understanding of bilinguals and their divisional struggle with self. However, even with society’s acknowledgement, there is a certain degree of hegemony when a bilingual student goes into an ethnic restaurant and orders their food in English. More or less one language has taken precedence over the other.
Hi, Jacquay. Your note regarding “Judeo-Christian ideals” vis-a-vis “minority” language confuses me. Is this meant to reflect your own idea, or something Sommers holds? In either case, can you elucidate–I’m at a loss concerning how “Judeo-Christian ideals” relate to the question of bilingualism. The Bible, for example, is full of multi-lingual\cultural individuals, but that doesn’t seem to be the point you’re addressing in your blog. Thanks! Steve…