Reappraising Survey Tools in the Study of Multilingualism: Lessons From Contexts of Small-Scale Multilingualism

Abstract

Surveys can allow for the collection of non-speech data in a relatively short time and might benefit field linguists working in contexts of language contact. Existing survey models broadly share a basic structure embodying ways of understanding speakers and contexts of interaction that are ultimately derived from diglossia theory. By attempting a critical analysis of the ideological foundations of survey tools, this article provides the opportunity to recognize some key limitations that might affect the diagnostic potential of current survey models in specific contexts. A case in point is offered by Lower Fungom, in rural Cameroon, where forms of non-diglossic, small-scale multilingualism are practiced. Through the presentation of first-hand fieldwork experience and ethnographic data, it becomes apparent that a new model of surveying multilingual populations is needed in order to capture relevant information in such contexts. This article advances some proposals aiming to build such a model. Since its innovations are rooted in sociolinguistic phenomena that appear to be common across environments of small-scale multilingualism, the proposed model can potentially be applied in research conducted in any environments of this kind.