Language Ideologies, Language Awareness, Language Attitudes, Folk Linguistics: (Meta-)reflections on overlapping research fields

Abstract

When attempting to position Language-Ideologies research within the framework of Applied Linguistics and related scientific sub-disciplines and approaches, it becomes evident that significant overlaps with research fields such as Language Attitudes, Folk Linguistics and Language Awareness exist. The question arises as to whether the differences are more closely related to various scientific subcommunities than to the phenomena under investigation. Similarities may go unnoticed either because researchers do not sufficiently engage with related approaches, or differences relating to content and methodology are overly emphasised for reasons of disciplinary demarcation. This article is based on a very broad concept of Language Awareness, which has evolved beyond its traditional context of language teaching and learning. This concept encompasses perception, folk-linguistic reflections and extends to academic theorising, while also incorporating affective and evaluative aspects. The article demonstrates shows how approaches pursued in the respective communities can be brought together in a fruitful way to jointly explain interconnected phenomena. Additionally, some other aspects of Language Ideologies are discussed, such as their different levels (micro, meso, macro), ranging from concrete individual case evaluations to more abstract Language Ideologies and, finally, to the level where Language Ideologies transition into broader ideologies and worldviews.