A Reflection of Linguistic Ideologies, Inequality, and Class: Language Shaming Practices on Facebook

Abstract

This study endeavored to unpack indexical attributes commonly associated to English as well as language ideologies reflected through language shaming practices online. Speakers of non-standard varieties often encounter this linguistic attack, as their ways of using the language that deviates from the norm are seen as indices of laziness, stupidity, and backwardness (Piller, 2017). It is also noteworthy to mention that the trigger of this widespread phenomenon is attributed to the continuing rise of new modes of communication in the digital space. Language shaming is not an unfamiliar phenomenon; this highlights the fact that this phenomenon of discrimination and shaming users of non-standard English does not only transpire in professional and educational domains, but also inhabits and thrives in the digital space (Nguyen, 2019). However, scant attention has been given to language shaming practices emerging in social media. By analyzing the language shaming practices of Filipino Facebook users through their comments in response to non-standard use of English, common indexical values attributed to English were identified. The identified indexicalities are also entwined with the emerging themes of language ideology that Filipinos manifest towards English. The language ideologies identified are as follows: 1.) English as a requisite for upward mobility 2.) English as an instrument of elitism 3.) Standard American English as the ideal model in the domains of education and workplace.