Language ideologies and sociolinguistic competence in Catalan: the case for young speakers in the Balearic Islands

Abstract

[eng] Language ideologies can influence language choices and help us better understand the current sociolinguistic situation in the Balearic Islands, where youngsters have a high knowledge of Catalan that does not translate into its use. Specifically, this paper offers an analysis of prevalent language ideologies among speakers aged 15 to 29 through qualitative data obtained from individual interviews and focus groups as part of AULIJOVIB project. The findings highlight how language ideologies influence language choices and identity construction. Based on the analysis, the study also proposes pedagogical strategies for addressing language ideologies and linguistic prejudices in the classroom, considering the complex interplay between affective factors, language ideologies, and language learning, and offering insights and practical implications for language educators in multicultural contexts.