Bloody Identity Eh?

Language is a hugely important part of forming identity.  As linguist Anna Wierzbicka states, “the way we speak reflects the way we think” (2002, p. 1167). I remember when I started learning German I started to feel a real affiliation with that culture and when I was living in Canada I would either emphasise my Australian accent to assert my identity or would pick up Canadian slang like "eh?' (which they really do say) to fit in with my new friends (convergence and divergence bells ringing anyone?)

After doing some research I confirmed something I already knew.  I speak Standard Australian English, which is the dominant dialect and is used by the vast majority of speakers in Australia. It is a salient marker of national identity, and is used in broadcasting and in public life.  In addition to that Wierzbicka argues that we use the adjective “bloody” a lot.  The Aboriginal and Ethnocultural varieties are minority dialects allowing speakers to express their cultural identity within the multicultural Australian context (Cox & Palethorpe 2007).  I would agree that it is a bit of a quirk of standard Australian English to chuck bloody in a conversation to show you’re not stuck up, because everyone knows Australians do not like tall poppies (Peeters 2004).

The importance of language as a link to and even form of identity can be more obvious when you don’t have it.  In a speech about the importance of Kiah Perry explains that his native language is almost lost and is fighting to save it because language is a part of culture and knowledge as a means of empowering people (Perry 2012, p. 60). He argues it contributes to the well-being of Aboriginal communities, strengthens ties between Elders and young people and gives a sense of identity (Perry 2010, p. 62).  The Department of Aboriginal affairs recognises that “to Aboriginal people, language is much more than just words. It is a direct link to land and country. It holds traditional songs and stories. It is about spirituality and deep meaning, and it reflects unique cultural concepts and ways of looking at the world” (Department of Aboriginal Affairs 2004, p. 1). 

Language is such an important part of identity it would be very painful to lose.  It doesn’t just need to be a national language either (I once heard a great quite that said a language is just a dialect with an army), as regional dialects, accents or even argot can be valued markers of identity.

Reference List:

Cox, F and Palethorpe, S 2007, ‘Australian English’, Journal of the International Phonetic Association, vol. 37, no. 3, pp 341-350, accessed 20/09/2012, http://dx.doi.org.ezproxy.uow.edu.au/10.1017/S0025100307003192

Department of Aboriginal Affairs 2004, New South Wales Aboriginal Languages Policy, NSW Government, NSW, accessed 20/09/2012, http://www.daa.nsw.gov.au/data/files//languagespolicyFINAL.pdf

Peeters, B 2004, ‘‘‘Thou shalt not be a tall poppy’’: Describing an Australian communicative (and behavioral) norm’, Intercultural Pragmatics, vol. 1, no. 1, pp71–92, accessed 27/08/2012, doi: 1612-295X/04/0001–0071

Perry, K 2010, ‘Language and identity: A speech’ Ngoonjook: a Journal of Australian Indigenous Issues, no. 35, pp60-63, accessed 20/09/2012, http://search.informit.com.au.ezproxy.uow.edu.au/documentSummary;dn=880049160454269;res=IELIND

 

Wierzbicka, A 2002, ‘Australian cultural scripts – bloody revisited’, Journal of Pragmatics, no. 34, pp1167-1209.