Article ID Journal Published Year Pages File Type
10460956 Language & Communication 2005 19 Pages PDF
Abstract
This paper considers the way a group of Moroccan adolescents in Belgium engages with the hegemonic structures that envelop them at school by constructing playful linguistic sabotage. Much in contrast with general stereotypes about these boys' supposed incompetence in Dutch, Moroccan boys could be observed styling several Dutch varieties and employing them to wrong-foot adults and authorities in situations of increased accountability. Crucial in this practice was the concept of doing ridiculous, which involved play-acting, creating ambiguity and feigning enthusiasm for schoolish, research-related or other 'boring' activities. Doing ridiculous with linguistic varieties helped Moroccan boys to shape and negotiate their participation at school and challenge stereotyping identity categories and elbow-room limiting situations.
Related Topics
Social Sciences and Humanities Arts and Humanities Language and Linguistics
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