Book
Language shift and the redefinition of social boundaries among the Caribs of Belize
University Microfilms International • Ann Arbor, Mich. • Published In 1989 • Pages:
By: Wright, Pamela Ann.
Abstract
This is a detailed study of the language shift process among the Garifuna of Belize. Language shift, according to the author, is the '...intergenerational phenomenon in which children extend the language associated with power in their social context into their family by not using the traditional Arawakan language of their family but Belizean English', a language they associate with the prevalent power structure of the society (p. iv). With the increasing entry of the Garifuna into public sector labor where Belizean English is frequently used, a new class of intellectuals seems to be evolving. The people of this class use their educational training to redirect public consciousness toward the goal of attaining national identity. In the five chapters constituting the major portion of this source, Wright examines Garifuna identity, culture history, labor structure, class distinctions, and the evolution of ethnic consciousness through ritual and literature, as contributing factors in the development of this national identity
- HRAF PubDate
- 2005
- Region
- Middle America and the Caribbean
- Sub Region
- Central America
- Document Type
- Book
- Evaluation
- Creator Types
- Ethnologist
- Linguist
- Document Rating
- 5: Excellent Primary Data
- Analyst
- John Beierle ; 1989-1991
- Field Date
- 1982-1983
- Coverage Date
- 1982-1983
- Coverage Place
- Dangriga and Numada, Belize
- Notes
- [by] Pamela Ann Wright
- UM8614715
- Includes bibliographical references (p. 423-459)
- Thesis (Ph.D.) -- New York, City University of New York, 1986
- LCSH
- Garifuna (Caribbean people)