Posted by: quincygu on: November 23, 2008
Ali G’s language is a kind of Creole in England, which has some differences with British English. Actually it is a combination of Lodon English and London Jamaican. The use of Ali G’s language is a represent of low-overt prestige which is associated with low class and lack of education.
But with the wildspread of Ali G’s language on the TV show and on the internet, this kind of languae is given another meaning. It could be a high-overt prestiage and reprents youth culture. This kind of English cross language and culture and becomes a cultural ideology in the modern society.
The change of Ali G’s English shows a process from an endangered English to a revitalized English.
December 11, 2008 at 12:17 am
I am so glad you included Ali G here (from your 825 course) — such an interesting example of Englishes and language/power issues and privileged non-standard dialects. Bonnie