Intergroup language attitudes and their sources: The case of Tehrani and Jonoub-Shahri Tehrani

Authors

  • Hooman Saeli The University of Tennessee Author

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.1558/sols.v10i3.27057

Keywords:

social identity theory, identification, language attitudes, outgroup, ingroup, Tehran (Iran)

Abstract

The current study was aimed at investigating the language attitudes of Tehrani speakers (N = 188) toward an ingroup (Tehrani) and outgroup (JS Tehrani) variety. In doing so, a questionnaire of 10 scales was utilized. The 10 scales were later factor-analyzed into status, solidarity, and ethnic pride. Statistical analyses (i.e. ANOVA and Tukey) revealed that, firstly, each variety was rated differently across the 3 scales, and, on all three individual clusters, the two ingroup and outgroup varieties were judged differently. Whereas Tehrani was evaluated more favorably on status and ethnic pride scales, JS Tehrani was rated more positively on solidarity. The results were finally explained in light of the participants’ interview responses and sociocultural context of Tehran. The results of the present study might be useful in illustrating the under-explored area of language attitudes in Iran.

Author Biography

  • Hooman Saeli, The University of Tennessee
    Hooman Saeli is a doctoral candidate in Teaching English as a Second Language at Oaklahoma State University. His main research interests are L2 writing, written and oral corrective feedback in L2 acquisition, Persian socilinguistics and Persian pragmatics. He has published articles and book chapters in these areas. He has also presented at international, national, and regional conferences.

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Published

2017-01-20

Issue

Section

Articles

How to Cite

Saeli, H. (2017). Intergroup language attitudes and their sources: The case of Tehrani and Jonoub-Shahri Tehrani. Sociolinguistic Studies, 10(3), 409-431. https://doi.org/10.1558/sols.v10i3.27057