May Angela Ung

AB English Eng 13

Summary: Diglossia

Diglossia only exist in the society if there are two distinct languages that co-
exist together in the society. Acoording to Ferguson (1959), diglossia is relatively
stable language situation in which, in addition to the primary dialects of the language,
there is a very divergent, highly codified superposed variety, the vehicle of a large and
respected body or written literature, either of an earlier period or in another speech
community, which is learned largely by formal education and is used for most written
and formal spoken purposes but is not used in any sector of the community for ordinary
conversation.

Diglossia is divided into two varieties. The high variety is spoken by people who
are in the high level of the society and it is more precise and powerful compare to the
low variety which is spoken by people who are in the low prestige jobs. High variety
can be taught in school, just like the grammar rules and the likes. While low variety is
learned, just like when a baby speaks for the first time, the baby is not taught with the
IPA transcription for his first words. High variety is also used in books and other literary
pieces, because again, high variety is considered or synonymous to educated, being
educated means you know the rules when it comes to language. And high variety is
much more formal than the low variety. High variety is considered beautiful because it
has class and sophistication and it is considered also as logical and expressive.

Diglossia has been an issue to many countries in the world. Like Arabic, Swiss
German, Haitian (French and Creole), and in Greek. This countries have suffered the
consequences the diglossia had bought to them.

Some people may say that having a conflict between the country and itself
because of language is no big deal bit for that country it has a big impact on them.
Their cultural identity is missing, they don't who they are. And even in education,
Diglossia would have a big impact. Not being able to know the etymology of a word is
a big deal. There is no such this as a small problem when it comes to language.
Reaction Paper: Diglossia

It is fascinating to see how language can make a barrier without using any real
concrete walls between the society or country, and can make a country or society who
is once at peace and unity can turn it into chaos. This phenomena is called Diglossia.
Diglossia can only exist in a society or country when there are two distinct code or
language that is present in that society or country, that can show a very clear functional
separation between those speakers. How ironic it is to say that a society or country
should be united but only Diglossia separates them.

We always say that a society, and even those countries should be united as
one for the betterment and for those citizens. But how are they supposed to be united
is these societies or countries is separated by two very distinct linguistic codes.

We cannot deny the fact that there is discrimination when it comes to social
classes. The reason behind Diglossia is also the social structure of the society. How
the society label these individuals based on their wealth and lifestyle. And in line with
this, the society is classified in to two. The high variety and low variety. The high
variety, as the name suggest, are used by those speakers who are at the top. High
variety is used in formal events, such as lectures and sermons at churches. High
variety is somehow mirrored to having access to education and having power and with
that high variety of language can also be used in political speeches, in legislative
bodies and even those who are at the media. High variety is viewed as more
sophisticated and powerful whereas the low variety is the exact opposite. The low
variety are used in instructions to those workers in the low class level of the society.
Low variety is viewed as just the mere conversation between two speakers.

With this existing phenomena, many conflict has risen all over the world.
Example, the city of Greece was divided into two because this Disglossic phenomena
and it had greatly affect the whole city of Greece and its citizens for many years.

Diglossia is not just a phenomena, but is a crisis to those who are suffering from
it. We all hope that those societies and countries who are experiencing the
consequences of Diglossia will find a way to achieve peace and unity.