Powered by OpenAIRE graph
Found an issue? Give us feedback
image/svg+xml art designer at PLoS, modified by Wikipedia users Nina, Beao, JakobVoss, and AnonMoos Open Access logo, converted into svg, designed by PLoS. This version with transparent background. http://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Open_Access_logo_PLoS_white.svg art designer at PLoS, modified by Wikipedia users Nina, Beao, JakobVoss, and AnonMoos http://www.plos.org/ ZENODOarrow_drop_down
image/svg+xml art designer at PLoS, modified by Wikipedia users Nina, Beao, JakobVoss, and AnonMoos Open Access logo, converted into svg, designed by PLoS. This version with transparent background. http://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Open_Access_logo_PLoS_white.svg art designer at PLoS, modified by Wikipedia users Nina, Beao, JakobVoss, and AnonMoos http://www.plos.org/
ZENODO
Article . 2026
License: CC BY
Data sources: ZENODO
ZENODO
Article . 2026
License: CC BY
Data sources: Datacite
ZENODO
Article . 2026
License: CC BY
Data sources: Datacite
versions View all 2 versions
addClaim

Linguistic Capital, Social Stratification, and Code-Switching Practices in Urban Multilingual Communities

Authors: Zunaira Khan1, Benish Ameer 2, Syed Muhammad Abbas Rizvi3, Hiba Afzal4*;

Linguistic Capital, Social Stratification, and Code-Switching Practices in Urban Multilingual Communities

Abstract

This study investigates the relationship between linguistic capital, social stratification, and code-switching practices in urban multilingual communities. Drawing on Bourdieu’s theory of linguistic capital and sociolinguistic perspectives on language hierarchy, the research examines how individuals from different social classes navigate language choice, proficiency, and variation across formal and informal domains. Using a qualitative research design, data were collected through semi-structured interviews and surveys from participants representing upper and lower social strata in two urban multilingual settings. The findings reveal that linguistic resources are unevenly distributed across social classes, with upper-class participants demonstrating greater access to prestigious languages and institutional linguistic capital. Code-switching emerged as a strategic practice; for higher social groups, it functioned as a marker of sophistication and symbolic power, while for lower social groups, it served as a mechanism for social mobility and adaptation. The study also identifies patterns of linguistic discrimination in professional and educational contexts, reinforcing existing class-based inequalities. The results highlight how language practices not only reflect social hierarchies but actively contribute to their reproduction. The research underscores the need for inclusive language policies and equitable educational frameworks that recognize linguistic diversity while addressing structural inequalities embedded within multilingual societies.

Keywords

linguistic capital, social stratification, multilingualism, code-switching, language hierarchy, linguistic inequality, social mobility

  • BIP!
    Impact byBIP!
    selected citations
    These citations are derived from selected sources.
    This is an alternative to the "Influence" indicator, which also reflects the overall/total impact of an article in the research community at large, based on the underlying citation network (diachronically).
    0
    popularity
    This indicator reflects the "current" impact/attention (the "hype") of an article in the research community at large, based on the underlying citation network.
    Average
    influence
    This indicator reflects the overall/total impact of an article in the research community at large, based on the underlying citation network (diachronically).
    Average
    impulse
    This indicator reflects the initial momentum of an article directly after its publication, based on the underlying citation network.
    Average
Powered by OpenAIRE graph
Found an issue? Give us feedback
selected citations
These citations are derived from selected sources.
This is an alternative to the "Influence" indicator, which also reflects the overall/total impact of an article in the research community at large, based on the underlying citation network (diachronically).
BIP!Citations provided by BIP!
popularity
This indicator reflects the "current" impact/attention (the "hype") of an article in the research community at large, based on the underlying citation network.
BIP!Popularity provided by BIP!
influence
This indicator reflects the overall/total impact of an article in the research community at large, based on the underlying citation network (diachronically).
BIP!Influence provided by BIP!
impulse
This indicator reflects the initial momentum of an article directly after its publication, based on the underlying citation network.
BIP!Impulse provided by BIP!
0
Average
Average
Average
Green