Choix langagiers dans la capitale du Nunavut

Abstract

Abstract This article describes some elements of the linguistic behaviour of Inuit living in Iqaluit, the capital of the new territory of Nunavut. By observing linguistic interaction in 45 households and interviewing 50 Inuit adults from Iqaluit, we elucidate the nature of language choice (between Inuktitut and English) with regards to various categories of interlocutors: parents, children, spouse, brothers and sisters, friends, co-workers. These choices showthe prevalence of bilingualism among speakers under 50 years of age as well as the importance of Inuktitut, which is the language of preference for addressing young children and elders and for discussing specially valued topics. It may be concluded that the Inuit in Iqaluit live in a situation of diglossia, but that this diglossia is moderated by the high value attributed to Inuktitut as a basic element and marker of Inuit identity.