Sociolinguistics - controversial and culturally enlightening

Recently sociolinguistics has made itself to the living room of more than 128 million people after the power packed performance of the reggaeton global artist Benito Antonio Martínez Ocasio otherwise known as Bad Bunny. His Superbowl halftime show was both controversial and culturally enlightening. It highlighted components of Puerto Rican history, society and current events as well as unique aspects of colloquial terms and regional dialects. In addition, it started a heated discussion around the idea of the appropriate representation during a renowned American sports event.

As a reminder sociolinguistics is the study of linguistic behavior determined by sociocultural factors. These may include identity, religion, socioeconomic status, regional dialect, norms and values. Typically, we find real world examples of this in social media, films, music and other forms of media. It is an important intersection between language, society and geography and often explains the subtle yet distinguishing differences between our linguistic counterparts. English is spoken in more than 67 countries as either the official, second or significantly spoken language throughout the population. However, there is a vast difference between aspects of the language in Canada vs. South Africa. There are 21 Spanish speaking countries throughout the world with varying dialects and regional vocabulary/pronunciation differences. Many individuals throughout the Spanish speaking countries noted the difference in pronunciation and vocabulary terms between Puerto Rico and some other Spanish speaking countries.

So exactly why does sociolinguistics matter and

why should we be aware of it?

Share your thoughts in the comments.

Harmonies and melodies varying tempos increased and decreased volumes, the sound of music. According to Henry Longfellow renowned American poet this is the universal language. It is a language with no words or grammatical structures and a seemingly comprehensive cadence and rhythm.  It is a language that speaks to your heart and transcends every linguistic barrier.  A simple change in the pace of music can let a listener know the mood of the song and set one’s imagination on a limitless journey of the mind. But unlike music, standard languages have rules, patterns and codes which can’t always be deciphered by the mere patter of the heart or a glimpse into one’s imagination. They encompass a world of written and spoken structures which allow one to indulge in reading and listening and eventually engulf in analytical and deeper learning. Language teachers play the crucial role of leading individuals on a journey past their comfort zone and into the wilderness of growth. Temples states that, “in an ideal world the classroom allows students to re-evaluate the past with a critical eye and in context to the present leads to reflection and new cultural fusions of tradition” (Pennycook,99). This re-evaluation occurs in steps in which an individual embraces an inclusive stance, discusses issues and finally engages with different cultures. As an individual takes on the journey of language acquisition he also inadvertently embarks on a cultural and historical escapade. Discovering a language is like discovering another dimension of oneself and it is often layered, nuanced and complicated. Through communication, relationships and boundaries are formed,communities and borders are erected, families and enemies are developed. Culture is exchanged,transposed and fused. Languages are laid to rest and become part of elaborate territorial claims (Oshiberu,2018).