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Role Of Language In Identity Formation

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The role of language in identity formation

The function of language is not confined to merely being an instrument of communication. It also serves another equally significant role in people’s identity formation. Language can potentially encourage, social ties on the bases of a common identity (Dieckhoff, 2004). On the other hand, differences in the languages used may lead to difficulties in communication and hence social division. This essay will discuss the significance of language in formations of ethnic and national identities in modern context, as well as the reciprocal relationship between language development and identity formation.

Tajfel (1979) proposed that the groups, which people belonged to, were an important source of pride and self-esteem and defined social identity as ‘part of an individual’s self-concept which derives from his knowledge of his membership in a social group’. Thus, one’s identity may entail ethnic, national, religious aspects and so on. Identity is constantly interactively constructed on a microlevel, where an individual’s identity is claimed, contested and re-constructed in interaction and in relation to the other participants (Norris 2007:657). During this process, the tool of communication and interaction is undoubtedly languages of respective groups. Now, let’s look at roles of language in relation to national and ethnic identities specifically.

First of all, Oommen argued that language is the fulcrum on which nations are built

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