LANGUAGE AND IDENTITY IN MULTILINGUAL SOCIETIES

Abstract

Language is more than just a means of communication, it is an important part of the culture and identity of each individual. In multilingual societies, people and groups of people go through intricate linguistic landscape of language interference, competition and co-existence. This article touches on the deep relationship between language and identity in multilingual situations and considers the sociolinguistic, psychological, educational and political aspects. It also touches the role of the code-switching, hierarchies of language, globalization and policy of language in identity formation. The article ends with suggestions of inclusive language policies which confirm and maintain linguistic and cultural diversity. Language is a power symbol of identity and also it’s a vital way of communication in society. Language makes people interact with one another through the shared expressions of emotions feelings and ideas. With language, individuals can make society more reliable.