In many societies, speakers navigate two distinct varieties of the same language depending on the social context. This stable linguistic situation, known as diglossia, typically features a 'high' variety used in literature, education, and formal broadcasts, and a 'low' variety spoken in daily, informal conversations. Unlike simple bilingualism, where two different languages coexist, this phenomenon involves a strict division of labor between registers of a single tongue, maintaining social hierarchy through speech patterns.
As it is used in the passage, the word diglossia most nearly means:
- Athe fluent command of two distinct foreign languages by an individual
- Bthe historical evolution of a regional dialect into a standardized national language
- the coexistence of two functional varieties of a single language within a communityAnswer
- Dthe physical condition of possessing a split or double tongue
Answer
the coexistence of two functional varieties of a single language within a community
The passage describes a situation where speakers use two varieties of the same language depending on context (formal versus informal). This is directly supported by the text's reference to a 'stable linguistic situation' involving a 'high' variety and a 'low' variety of a 'single tongue.' Therefore, the term refers to the coexistence of two functional registers or varieties of a single language in a community.
Step-by-Step Solution
Key Concept
Decoding low-frequency sociolinguistic terminology using context clues.