Diglosní situace z hlediska genderu

Abstract

Discusses the development of some European speech communities - Czech, Russian, & German - using Ferguson's concept of diglossia. 'Diglossia' refers to a language situation in which a prestigious standard or 'high' variety of a given language exists alongside vernacular or 'low' varieties. The two varieties are linguistically related, but differ significantly. The former is typically used in formal speech domains & in writing, & the latter in all others. While there are no actual 'native' speakers of the 'high' variety, all members of the diglossic community are native speakers of one of the 'low' varieties. Taking into account sociohistorical, cultural, & particularly gender aspects, the author examines the weak position the 'high' variety occupies in spoken Czech discourse. The author analyses the sources behind the diglossic situation of the Czech language & links them to the diminished status of the Czech elite (aristocracy, bourgeoisie) during the past two centuries & to the minor contribution Czech women have made to the acquisition of the 'high' variety within the family.