Presented as part of the ANU Linguistics Seminar Series

Linguistic discrimination is embedded in linguistic hierarchies where some ways of using language are seen as more or less valuable than other ways of using language. That means linguistic disadvantage is not random but experienced by those whose language use is marked by traces of late acquisition and subordinate identities. Therefore, I propose to examine processes of linguistic subordination and will focus specifically on linguistic stigma as it is enacted through shaming. Drawing on concepts such as “body shaming” or “fat shaming”, by “language shaming”, I mean (social) media campaigns or face-to-face interactions that deride, disparage or demean particular ways of using language. Although language shaming has received relatively little attention in sociolinguistics, it is, in fact, widespread and a key component of linguistic subordination. I will present examples of language shame campaigns from a variety of international contexts. Research into other forms of stigma has shown that shaming has deleterious effects on the groups and individuals concerned and may reinforce the stigmatized traits or behaviours, may result in low self-esteem, a lack of self-worth and social alienation. Against this background, I will conclude by examining the consequences of language shaming for the language learning and settlement experiences of adult migrants to Australia.