Remix Multilingualism: Hip Hop, Ethnography and Performing Marginalized Voices

Remixing multilingualism involves using, combining, and manipulating multilingual forms to create new ways of doing multilingualism through cultural acts and identities, using the notions of stylization, performance, performativity, entextualisation, and enregisterment. This book contributes to the development of new conceptual insights and theoretical developments on multilingualism in the global South by applying these notions to interviews, performance analysis, and interactional analysis.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 264 pages
Publication date: 21 March 2019
Publisher: Bloomsbury Publishing PLC

Remixing multilingualism is a fascinating and dynamic approach to language use that involves the creative combination and manipulation of multiple linguistic forms. It is a process that goes beyond simply speaking multiple languages and embraces the cultural and identity-shaping aspects of multilingualism. In this book, the author explores the concept of remixing multilingualism through ethnographic research in the local hip-hop culture of Cape Town, South Africa. The book highlights the ways in which highly multilingual participants in this culture use multilingualism to express their voices, identities, and creativity.

In today's globalized societies, previously marginalized speakers are finding new and innovative ways to showcase their languages and identities. This book contributes to the development of new conceptual insights and theoretical developments on multilingualism in the global South by applying the notions of stylization, performance, performativity, entextualization, and enregisterment. Through interviews, performance analysis, and interactional analysis, the author demonstrates how young multilingual speakers stage different personae, styles, registers, and language varieties.

One of the key themes of the book is the idea of remixing as a means of cultural expression. The author argues that remixing multilingualism allows speakers to create new and unique linguistic forms that reflect their cultural backgrounds and experiences. This can involve blending different languages, creating new words, and adapting existing expressions to suit their needs. Remixing can also be a way of challenging dominant linguistic norms and creating new spaces for marginalized voices to be heard.

Another important aspect of remixing multilingualism is the role of technology. The author highlights the ways in which digital technologies have facilitated the creation and dissemination of multilingual remixes. Social media platforms, for example, have provided a platform for multilingual speakers to share their work with a wider audience and connect with other speakers from around the world. This has led to the emergence of new genres of music, literature, and art that are characterized by their multilingualism.

However, remixing multilingualism also raises some challenges. One of the main concerns is the potential loss of linguistic diversity. As speakers adopt new linguistic forms and styles, they may lose their native languages and cultural practices. This can have negative consequences for the preservation of linguistic diversity and the cultural heritage of communities.

To address these challenges, the author suggests that there needs to be a greater emphasis on language preservation and revitalization. This can involve promoting the use of native languages in education, the media, and other public spaces, as well as providing support for language communities to develop their own linguistic resources.

In addition to its theoretical contributions, the book also has practical implications. It can help teachers and educators to develop more effective language teaching strategies that take into account the multilingualism of their students. It can also help policymakers to develop more inclusive language policies that recognize the value of multilingualism and promote its use in public spaces.

Overall, Remixing Multilingualism is a thought-provoking and engaging book that offers a fresh perspective on the role of multilingualism in today's globalized world. It highlights the ways in which remixing can be used to create new and innovative forms of language use that reflect the cultural and identity-shaping aspects of multilingualism. By applying the notions of stylization, performance, performativity, entextualization, and enregisterment, the author provides a valuable contribution to the development of new conceptual insights and theoretical developments on multilingualism in the global South.

Weight: 414g
Dimension: 157 x 234 x 14 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781350105270