Language Ideologies and Identities on Facebook and TikTok - A Southern Caribbean Perspective

This monograph examines the ways in which Caribbean content creators use elements of Caribbean Englishes and Creoles in their performances of identity in image macro memes and TikTok videos. It also examines the ideologies that underlie these performances. The data comprises memes from Trinidadian Facebook pages, as well as videos by Guyanese, Barbadian, and Trinidadian TikTokers, and was analysed using the multimodal method designed by Kress. For meme makers, identity is understood as a system of distinction between ingroups and outgroups, and language and other semiotic features, notably emojis, are used to distinguish Trinidadians from other nationalities, and groups of Trinidadians from one another. TikTokers establish their Caribbean identity primarily through knowledge of lexis, but this works in concert with other linguistic features to create authentic identities. Social media content is underpinned by the tension between the acceptance and rejection of standard language ideologies.

List of contents

1. Setting the scene; 2. Identities and ideologies in Facebook memes; 3. Identity and ideologies in TikTok videos; 4. Indexing identity, enregistering ideology; References.

Summary

This Element examines how Caribbean content creators use elements of Caribbean Englishes and Creoles in their performances of identity in memes and TikTok videos, and the ideologies that underlie them. Social media content is underpinned by the tension between the acceptance and rejection of standard language ideologies.

Foreword

Content creators' language in memes and TikToks index identity and enregister ideologies about language use in the Caribbean.

Product details

• Authors: Guyanne Wilson
• Publisher: Cambridge Academic
• Languages: English
• Product format: Paperback / Softback
• Released: 06.06.2024
• EAN: 9781009350761
• ISBN: 978-1-00-935076-1
• Dimensions: 152 mm x 229 mm x 5 mm
• Weight: 155 g
• Illustrations: Worked examples or Exercises
• Series: Elements in World Englishes
• Subjects: Humanities, art, music > Linguistics and literary studies > General and comparative linguistics; Media Studies, LANGUAGE ARTS & DISCIPLINES / Linguistics / General, Sociolinguistics, Digital lifestyle, Social networking, Social media / social networking, Language: history & general works, Media studies: internet, digital media and society, Language: history and general works