Linda Logan INT 375

Chapter 9: Language Identity

Amanda Rapone, Instructor
November 10, 2014

Linguistic Identity
Having grown up in two different geographical regions, my
linguistic identity is a combination of the two very different
locations. I was born in the North East and have lived here
continuously for the last 30 years and my style of speech or
speech pattern is very sharp, proper and direct. But for a part of
my life, from the age of 10 thru 22, I lived in Southside Virginia
and where speaking is more of a lengthy, drawn out process. I
code switch between the two manners of speaking often within
the same conversation.
As noted in previous assignments, being that there are
several non- agentive factors that are not readily observable, my
age, race and ethnicity, I am not easily identified as a middleaged African American. Therefore, most people would be able to
identify me as a highly educated, well-spoken and informed. My
physical size is also quite commanding, I am 59 with hair that
almost reaches my waist and I am still very active in sports and
fitness. I understand that the combination of these factors can be

somewhat intimidating for people who dont know me; however,

upon meeting me they find out that I am very gentle in nature. I
have a very easy- going personality, and it is often reflected in the
way that I speak and in the way that I carry myself. Not known for
using slang or profanity, most people would identify me
linguistically by social class. Even though I was brought up based
on working class values, I was raised in a middle-class
environment. I was given the best attributes from both
geographical locations; from the north, a quick and intelligent
mind and from the south, a gentle, elegant manner.
For me social class is the defining factor that readily
identifies me and provides the most versatility linguistically
speaking because embedded within this factor, you find both
natural and constructed forms of social identity.
Both my parents and grandparents passed away while I was
still very young. By the time I was a sophomore at NSU, I was on
my own. I didnt have the luxury or the freedom of being a care
free young adult. I worked to put myself thru college and
therefore had to present an older, more mature and polished
image that was based solely on the way I was raised. I went from

working odd jobs that college students do to working in top tier

corporations during summer breaks, to working full time one I
returned home to Connecticut, this was all do to the fact that I
presented on more levels than my age, race or gender, I provided
them with a well-rounded, socially adept , young adult who
utilized the intangible elements of identity to define herself.