The importance of studies of beliefs and attitudes to sociolinguistics

Abstract

Studies related to the theme “Linguistics Beliefs and Attitudes” have shown paths to Sociolinguistics to understand issues that may be related to certain linguistic attitudes manifested by a group or by a speaking community. In the whole society, the differences of “power” existent among distinct social groups may be realized through the linguistic variation and through attitudes towards these variations. Normally, the standards of language use of the dominant group are referred to as necessary models to social mobility, however the use of dialects or low profile accent reduces the opportunities of being successful. Researches on linguistic beliefs and attitudes may broaden the discussion about the factors of linguistic changes, about the influence on a second language learning process, about issues of prestige or discredit – which lead to prejudice not only regarding the language the other speaks, but also regarding these speakers community. Thus, this work approaches important items to understand the theme: a) concepts of belief and of attitude; b) attitudes components, formation/development and modification; c) concepts like stigma, prejudice, linguistic prestige/status, linguistic identity, linguistic loyalty and disloyalty.