Power, Prestige, and the Linguistic Repertoire

In VCE English Language, the study of identity involves understanding how individuals are not restricted to a single way of speaking. Instead, they possess a linguistic repertoire—a “toolbox” of language varieties, registers, and styles—which they strategically deploy to navigate social hierarchies and construct specific identities.

1. Understanding the Linguistic Repertoire

An individual’s linguistic repertoire consists of the total set of linguistic forms (including dialects, sociolects, ethnolects, and registers) they have at their disposal.

• Individual Identity: Derived from unique traits and personal history (idiolect).
• Social Identity: Derived from membership in particular groups (age, gender, occupation, interests).
• Strategic Choice: Speakers “draw on” different parts of their repertoire depending on their interlocutor, the setting, and their social goals (e.g., wanting to appear professional vs. wanting to fit in with friends).

KEY TAKEAWAY: A linguistic repertoire is not static; it is a dynamic resource that speakers use to negotiate their position within different speech communities.

2. Power and Prestige in Language

Language is a primary vehicle for establishing and maintaining power and prestige.

• Power: The ability to influence others, control a discourse, or maintain authority within a social hierarchy. This can be achieved through direct commands, formal lexicon, or controlling “floor-holding” in conversation.
• Prestige: The level of respect or social value assigned to a language variety or feature by a community.

Overt vs. Covert Prestige

The VCAA curriculum distinguishes between two types of prestige that speakers can exploit:

EXAM TIP: When discussing prestige, always specify who finds the language prestigious. Overt prestige is granted by the dominant society; covert prestige is granted by a specific “in-group.”

3. Exploiting Overt Norms

Speakers exploit overt norms to gain power within mainstream social institutions. By adhering to Standard Australian English (SAE), speakers signal that they are educated, competent, and belong to a higher social class.

• Functions of Overt Norms:
  • Establishing Authority: Using precise, formal metalanguage or jargon to demonstrate expertise.
  • Gatekeeping: Using complex syntax and elevated lexis to exclude those who have not had access to higher education.
  • Social Mobility: Adopting a “Cultured” or “General” Australian accent to distance oneself from negative stereotypes associated with “Broad” accents.
  • Aspirations: Aligning one’s speech with a desired social class or professional group to facilitate career advancement.

COMMON MISTAKE: Do not assume that overt norms are “better” than covert norms. In VCE English Language, all varieties are linguistically equal; we only focus on their social value and the power they afford the speaker in specific contexts.

4. Exploiting Covert Norms

Speakers exploit covert norms to gain power within localized or marginalized speech communities. This is often a way of resisting mainstream “overt” power structures.

• Functions of Covert Norms:
  • In-group Solidarity: Using slang or non-standard grammar (e.g., “he done it”) to signal “I am one of you.”
  • Exclusion: Using “secret” or highly specific lexis (e.g., gamer slang or thieves’ cant) to ensure outsiders cannot understand the conversation.
  • Constructing “Toughness” or “Coolness”: Adopting features of Broad Australian English or ethnolects (like Lebanese Australian English) to project a specific masculine or rebellious identity.
  • Authenticity: Using local vernacular to show that a speaker is “down to earth” and not “pretentious” or “snobbish.”

APPLICATION: Politicians often code-switch between overt and covert norms. They use overt norms (SAE) in Parliament to show authority, but may use covert norms (colloquialisms like “fair dinkum”) at a local pub to appear relatable to the “everyman.”

5. Social Attitudes and Discrimination

The choice to use certain norms is not always free from consequence. Societal attitudes toward language can lead to:

1. Social Disadvantage: Those who cannot access or use overt norms (SAE) may be barred from high-status occupations or educational opportunities.
2. Linguistic Prejudice: Listeners often make snap judgments about a speaker’s intelligence, honesty, or friendliness based on their accent or use of non-standard grammar.
3. Discrimination: Negative attitudes toward ethnolects or Aboriginal English can lead to systemic bias in the legal system, healthcare, and employment.

Code-Switching as a Tool

Code-switching is the practice of alternating between two or more languages or varieties in a single conversation. It is a vital part of a speaker’s linguistic repertoire used to:
* Negotiate identity in multicultural settings.
* Balance the need for overt prestige (to get a job) with the need for covert prestige (to maintain family/cultural ties).

VCAA FOCUS: VCAA often asks how language “reflects, imposes, or negotiates” identity. Using overt norms imposes a professional identity; using covert norms negotiates a place within a peer group.

6. Summary Table: Language for Power and Prestige

STUDY HINT: Collect contemporary examples (media articles, social media, speeches) where people are criticized or praised for their language. These “real-world” examples are essential for high-scoring essays in Unit 4.