Diglossia and Power

This book examines the struggle for social power among various ethnic groups in 19th century Austria, highlighting how language control became central to interethnic conflicts and the quest for recognition.

Diglossia and Power delves into the complex dynamics of language and power within the interethnic context of the Austrian segment of the 19th-century Austro-Hungarian Empire. It examines how struggles for social power manifest through efforts to control language usage across various levels of discourse. In a landscape marked by intricate language interactions, language emerges as a significant battleground for interethnic disputes and conflicts.

The narrative particularly highlights the period of democratization during the revolutions of 1848-1849 and the subsequent changes after 1860. During this time, non-German speaking nationalities within the Empire sought to redefine their identities by advocating for the recognition of their languages and cultural practices. This push for acknowledgment illustrates the broader struggle for social and political power among diverse ethnic groups striving for visibility and respect within a predominantly German-speaking framework.

Conversely, the book also explores how German-dominated state nationalism responded to these challenges. As the dominance of the German language faced threats, the state sought to reassert its influence by offering limited linguistic and cultural autonomy to various ethnic communities. This complex interplay between the aspirations of minority groups and the strategies of the ruling powers underscores the intricate relationship between language, identity, and power in a multilingual society. Through this exploration, Diglossia and Power provides valuable insights into the role of language in shaping social hierarchies and interethnic relations during a pivotal historical period.