Getting a (big) data-based grip on ideological change. Evidence from Belgian Dutch

Abstract

In this paper we introduce a computationally enriched experimental tool designed to investigate language ideology (change). In a free response experiment, 211 respondents returned three adjectives in reaction to the labels for five regional varieties, one ethnic variety and two supra-regional varieties of Belgian Dutch, as well as the standard accent of Netherlandic Dutch. Valence information (pertaining to the positive/negative character of the responses) and big data–based distributional analysis (to detect semantic similarity between the responses) were used to cluster the response adjectives into 11 positive and 11 negative evaluative dimensions. Correspondence analysis was subsequently used to compute and visualize the associations between these evaluative dimensions and the investigated language labels, in order to generate “perceptual maps” of the Belgian language repertoire. Contrary to our expectations, these maps unveiled not only the dominant value system which drives standard usage, but also the competing ideology which frames the increasingly occurring non-standard forms. In addition, they revealed a much richer stratification than the “one variety good, all other varieties bad” dichotomy we had anticipated: while VRT-Dutch remains the superior (albeit increasingly virtual) standard for Belgian Dutch, the stigmatized colloquial variety Tussentaal is gradually being accepted as a practical lingua franca, and the Ghent-accent is boosted by modern prestige (dynamism) features. Even more crucially, separate perceptual maps for the older and younger respondents lay bare generational change: there is a growing conceptual proximity between VRT-Dutch and Tussentaal in the younger perceptions.

‘Talking Very Properly Creates Such a Distance’: Exploring Style‐Shifting in Speech‐Language Therapists

“…The second criterion allowed us to start from a uniform dialect situation, whereby participants’ clients most likely use the Brabant‐specific Tussentaal, which is widespread and has high supra‐regional indexicality (see also Rosseel et al., 2019). We opted to exclude SLTs active in other regions in order to mitigate potential exposure to region‐specific language features in clients’ language use given that evaluations of region‐specific features depend on in/out‐group membership (Rosseel et al, 2018) and the region (e.g., Grondelaers et al, 2020). Due to the smaller number of participants, we focused on SLTs working in the Brabant region to start from a more stable, supra‐regional Tussentaal exposure context.…”

“…Perceptions of Tussentaal as a dynamic language variety have been demonstrated by various researchers (Grondelaers et al., 2020; Impe & Speelman;, 2007; Rosseel et al., 2019). While non‐linguistically trained, older generations associated SBD with prestige considerably more than Tussentaal, younger generations attributed prestige to both SBD and Tussentaal but with important nuances in the prestige‐related evaluation dimensions: in contrast to the ‘enlightening’ and ‘clear/pure’ perceptions of SBD, CBD was associated with the dimensions ‘proper’, ‘beautiful’, and ‘civilised’ (Grondelaers et al., 2020, p. 59). This contrast suggests a distinction between traditional prestige/competency and modern prestige/competency.…”

“…In the Danish diglossic context, Kristiansen (2009) observed a new form of modern prestige (i.e., dynamism) which is associated with an easy-going, cool competency. Perceptions of Tussentaal as a dynamic language variety have been demonstrated by various researchers (Grondelaers et al, 2020;Impe & Speelman;Rosseel et al, 2019). While non-linguistically trained, older generations associated SBD with prestige considerably more than Tussentaal, younger generations attributed prestige to both SBD and Tussentaal but with important nuances in the prestige-related evaluation dimensions: in contrast to the 'enlightening' and 'clear/pure' perceptions of SBD, CBD was associated with the dimensions 'proper', 'beautiful', and 'civilised' (Grondelaers et al, 2020, p. 59).…”

“…While Tussentaal has historically given rise to some controversy, with some claiming that this variety is indicative of language decay and laziness to use the correct language (e.g., Van Istendael, 1989), this variety has gained prestige. In terms of attitudes, studies have shown that SBD, the traditional variety for formal registers and public communication, is often associated with a language‐normative evaluation and a more traditional form of prestige (Grondelaers & Speelman, 2013; Grondelaers et al., 2020; Impe & Speelman, 2007). In the Danish diglossic context, Kristiansen (2009) observed a new form of modern prestige (i.e., dynamism) which is associated with an easy‐going, cool competency.…”

“…These authors measured SLT students’ attitudes towards an SLT using SBD and CBD in a transactional context (i.e., giving verbal instructions and feedback during an articulation exercise) and in a relational context (i.e., conducting small talk with the client). Starting from the traditional and modern prestige evaluations observed in earlier studies (Grondelaers et al, 2020; Impe & Speelman, 2007; Rosseel et al., 2019), the students assessed the SLT's traditional competence (‘intelligent’, ‘capable’, ‘reliable’, ‘experienced’) and modern competence (‘enthusiastic’, ‘funny’, reverse of ‘stiff’) in audio excerpts of an SLT who used each language variety in each context. Results did not indicate an increase in positive attitudes regarding SBD in formal therapeutic transactions but did show a decrease in positive modern competence evaluations when the SLT spoke SBD in a relational context.…”