Uneven distribution of resources in the youth linguascapes of Mongolia

Abstract

Drawing on offline and online casual interactions in the context of youth in Mongolia, on the Asian periphery, this article looks at youth mixed language practices from the perspective of "linguascapes" in order to capture the current flows of transnational linguistic resources in relation to other social landscapes. The study seeks to contribute to current discussions of the sociolinguistics of globalization by investigating to what extent and in what way resources make up linguascapes among youth groups with different access to resources. The main implication of this study is that youth linguascapes in Mongolia are fundamentally diverse, as a result of the combination of varied transcultural resources. At the same time, these resources are unevenly distributed and unequally localized.

Ардчиллын Тэмцэл Сорилтын Жилүүдэд: Монгол Ба Дэлхийн Улс Орнууд Туршлагажиж Эхэлсэн Нь

“…Bureaucratic hurdles such as a lack of human resources in the Municipal Governor's Office, particularly the environmental policy planning and air quality protection departments, are also acknowledged in the literature (Altantuya et al, 2012). These affect ger district residents disproportionally in terms of access to health and education (Batbaatar et al, 2006;Dovchin, 2017;Enkhtuya et al, 2009;Janes and Chuluundorj, 2004;Janes et al, 2006;Lhamsuren et al, 2012).…”

“…For more on the complex Mongolian concept of nutag and its importance to ideas of collective identity and political activity, seeSneath (2010) andShagdar (2015). 8 Although see certain counter-examples, such as the rapper Gee; see alsoDovchin, (2017).…”

Translingual English, Facebook, and gay identities

“…Focusing on translingual meanings of English revolves around diverse codes, modes, types, topographies, styles, and genres within and beyond language users’ cultural and linguistic boundaries (Blommaert, ; Li, ). Second, the role of translingual English in an online world of gay men serves ‘multiple edged’ strategic and productive points – to enact their sexual orientations (Jones, ; Leap, ); to freely express their desires and aspirations (Lee, ); to resist outside stereotypes and norms (Lee & Moody, ); to develop peer bonds by sharing their interests and needs (Dovchin, Pennycook, & Sultana, ); and to engage in highly stylized identity performances (Dovchin, , , , ; Lee, ). The important thing to note here is not just the role that the Internet has played in the spread of ‘global gay culture’ (Altman, ).…”