The multilingual profile and its impact on identity: Approaching the difference between multilingualism and multilingual identity or linguistic identity

Abstract

This paper visualizes why the identity of multilingual speakers cannot be described adequately with the term “multilingual identity”. Exemplarily, the multilingual profiles of multilingual speakers in Northeastern Thailand are explained showing that language may come without an identity signal. It appears that multilingualism is generally rather situational functional. Instead of equating identity with language, the research shows how the multilingual profile of individuals may influence their self-concept i.e., their identity. The paper also reviews other discipline's identity concepts and their applicability to linguistic research aiming to fill the research gap concerning the theoretical modelling of linguistic identity and the lack of a standardized examination method for linguistic identity. The aim of this paper is to describe theoretical aspects of the modelling of linguistic identity and to provide a standardized methodology that can be used to capture what was identified as a linguistic identity on the example of the Kui minority.

Keywords

• Multilingualism
• Sociolinguistics
• Linguistic identity
• Identity formation
• Linguistic profile