Open AccessLinguistic genocide or linguicide?
Author(s) -
Joshua James Zwisler
Publication year - 2021
Publication title -
apples
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
ISSN - 1457-9863
DOI - 10.47862/apples.103419
Subject(s) - genocide , linguistics , identity (music) , forced migration , harm , sociology , essentialism , psychology , philosophy , political science , gender studies , law , social psychology , aesthetics , refugee
Forced language loss is a reality for many communities around the world and language loss brings with it an entire spectrum of negativities. This article examines two of the most common terms that are used in linguistics for forced language loss – linguistic genocide and linguicide. The terms are almost synonymous and recognize that the ultimate aim of forced language loss is usually forced assimilation or the destruction of group identity. However, through a critical reading of both terms, linguicide is argued as the preferred term for use in linguistics as linguistic genocide gives rise to linguistic essentialist positions that may harm communities that have suffered forced language loss.