Positive Orientation Towards the Vernacular Among the Talysh of Sumgayit
ABSTRACT
This thesis looks at the identification of positive vernacular orientation in the
Talysh community of the city of Sumgayit, for the purpose of gaining a greater
understanding of its causes. Positive vernacular orientation is defined as exhibition
of a preferred status for the vernacular in sociolinguistic behaviour. Positive
vernacular orientation is described in three areas of sociolinguistic behaviour:
patterns of vernacular language use, vernacular language proficiency and frequency
of vernacular-speaking individuals in social networks. Data was collected through
personal interviews. The questionnaires for these interviews were developed using
a qualitative-relational research approach. The description of positive vernacular
orientation takes the form of a criteria-based typology of which an analysis of
influential factors is ultimately made. This analysis of influential factors
demonstrates the interaction between positive vernacular orientation as described in
the typology and the contextual elements of the family, socio-economic dynamics
and individual attitudes.
A total of 13 types of individuals demonstrating positive vernacular orientation
are identified. Variation in vernacular orientation is shown to pattern itself according
to differences in generation and time of arrival or birth in Sumgayit. The earlier
individuals arrived or were born in Sumgayit, the more likely they are to demonstrate
positive vernacular orientation in their sociolinguistic behaviour. As well, the closer
individuals are to first generation, the more likely they are to demonstrate positive
vernacular orientation in their sociolinguistic behaviour. Positive vernacular
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orientation is shown to be strongest among first generation individuals who arrived in
Sumgayit before 1965. Positive vernacular orientation is shown to be weakest in
third generation individuals born after 1991.