Regional Identity and Linguistic Identity.

Maryna RADCHUK

Master's thesis

Multilingual speakers: Patterns of identification with regions and languages

Abstract:

Since aspects of identifications represent hot topics of the discourses within modern globalized societies, this thesis aims to shed light on the patterns of identification with regions and languages that may be applied by multilingual speakers. Thus, it reports the results of the qualitative research having as a target to explore, highlight and contextualise the main issues connected to the conceptualization of region and corresponding regional and linguistic identities. This study is based on the combination of results obtained after the literature review and the conduction of semi-structured interviews with eleven multilingual speakers. The empirical data were analysed with the help of sequential analysis, coding and categorization. After the application of the corresponding methods, the following main categories or aspects were singled out: particular vision of the concept of region, features and perception of regional and linguistic identity, importance of English language, coexistence of multiple identities and European identity. These outcomes find their reflection within corresponding sources and may be considered as those that contribute to the researches on multilingualism, international communication and regional studies.

Abstract:

Since aspects of identifications represent hot topics of the discourses within modern globalized societies, this thesis aims to shed light on the patterns of identification with regions and languages that may be applied by multilingual speakers. Thus, it reports the results of the qualitative research having as a target to explore, highlight and contextualise the main issues connected to the conceptualization of region and corresponding regional and linguistic identities. This study is based on the combination of results obtained after the literature review and the conduction of semi-structured interviews with eleven multilingual speakers. The empirical data were analysed with the help of sequential analysis, coding and categorization. After the application of the corresponding methods, the following main categories or aspects were singled out: particular vision of the concept of region, features and perception of regional and linguistic identity, importance of English language, coexistence of multiple identities and European identity. These outcomes find their reflection within corresponding sources and may be considered as those that contribute to the researches on multilingualism, international communication and regional studies.

Keywords

Regional consciousness, identification with a territory, multiple identities, globalization, role of English, European identity.

Language used: English

Date on which the thesis was submitted / produced: 31. 8. 2020

Thesis defence

• Supervisor: prof. Dr. Doris Fetscher

UNIVERSITY OF SOUTH BOHEMIA IN ČESKÉ BUDĚJOVICE

Faculty of Economics

Master programme / field:
Regional and European Project Management / Regional and European Project Management