Indexicality links linguistic forms to identity through culturally rooted ideologies

Evidence

In its most basic sense, an index is a linguistic form that depends on the interactional context for its meaning, such as the first-person pronoun I (Silverstein, 1976). More generally, however, the concept of indexicality involves the creation of semiotic links between linguistic forms and social meanings (Ochs, 1992; Silverstein, 1985). In identity formation, indexicality relies heavily on ideological structures, for associations between language and identity are rooted in cultural beliefs and values – that is, ideologies – about the sorts of speakers who (can or should) produce particular sorts of language. — Mary Bucholtz and Kira Hall, Identity and Interaction, 50

Categorization

• DEFINE: Defines index and indexicality and explains how ideological structures mediate the language-identity link.
• XREF: Connects to the reader’s project of identity as negotiated in interaction — this is one of the positioning micro-mechanisms being sought. — connects to: Same linguistic form can index identity at nested scales — Mary Bucholtz and Kira Hall, Identity and Interaction: A…, 45; Diasporic identity is multiple, layered, and contextually activated — Stuart Hall, Essential Essays, Volume 2: Identity…, 819; Dominant ideologies structure the range of encodings available rather than being deliberately imposed — Hall, Stuart, Essential Essays, Volume 1, 921 (+4 more)
• QUESTION: How do specific indexical links get naturalized in a community so they can do identity work at all?

Broader Connections

• Language-identity links are ideological, not natural #corroborates (0.93) — Mary Bucholtz and Kira Hall, Identity and Interaction, 50
• Dominant ideologies structure the range of encodings available rather than being deliberately imposed #corroborates (0.88) — Hall, Stuart, Essential Essays, Volume 1, 921
• Linguistic distinctions were extended to claim ontological differences between peoples #exemplifies (0.84)
• Diasporic identity is multiple, layered, and contextually activated #expands (0.82) — Stuart Hall, Essential Essays, Volume 2, 819
• Ideologies connect to subjects through contingent, breakable articulations rather than necessity #qualifies (0.78)