Competing or compatible language identities in Istanbul's Kurdish workplaces?

Research output: Chapter in book / Conference proceedingChapter in an edited book (as author)Academic researchpeer-review

5 Citations (Scopus)

Abstract

Language choices of Kurdish workers [N=30] at Kurdish-owned eating establishments in Istanbul were observed through recordings and follow-up interviews. Particular focus was placed on Kurdish and Turkish language use in high vs. low visibility jobsites. The link between language choice and identity is established, and participants' language choices are assessed according to Somer's (2004) distinction between 'compatible' and 'rival identities.' Results indicate job visibility as a predictor of language choice. Transcript analysis provides examples in which participants exploit both Turkish and Kurdish to achieve sociolinguistic ends. These findings provide linguistic evidence of compatible identities among the selected Kurdish workers.
Original languageEnglish
Title of host publicationContemporary Turkey at a Glance
Subtitle of host publicationInterdisciplinary Perspectives on Local and Translocal Dynamics
PublisherSpringer Fachmedien
Pages125-138
Number of pages14
ISBN (Electronic)9783658049164
ISBN (Print)3658049154, 9783658049157
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 1 Mar 2014
Externally publishedYes

Keywords

  • Code-switching
  • Identity
  • Kurdish
  • Language choice

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • General Social Sciences

Fingerprint

Dive into the research topics of 'Competing or compatible language identities in Istanbul's Kurdish workplaces?'. Together they form a unique fingerprint.

Cite this