Not really art, but I need some feedback!
Language Split in Two: A sociolinguistic approach to Dionne Brand’s No Language is Neutral
Canadian English-language poetry has been dominated by standard Canadian English. Nonstandard varieties, or dialects, of English spoken within Canada, and around the world are considered appropriate for regional literature, but are not often utilized for literary purposes outside of their countries of origin. Dionne Brand’s book of poetry, No Language is Neutral, challenges that norm, combining Trinidad English Creole with standard Canadian English, to create a text that confronts Canadian assumptions about “proper” language. Linguist Braj Kachru proposes that native English speakers from certain “inner circle” countries establish the standards of English for the rest of the world; these inner circle countries, which include Canada, are the traditional centres of English. Scholar David Crystal suggests that it is necessary for artists and writers to champion the cause of non-standard varieties of English to disrupt negative language attitudes common in inner circle countries, where nonstandard varieties are often misinterpreted as improper, uneducated English. In a cross-disciplinary approach, I will juxtapose the use of Trinidad English Creole in No Language is Neutral with Krachu’s model of world Englishes to illustrate the equalizing function of nonstandard varieties of English in international literature. This sociolinguistic reading of No Language is Neutral examines the effects of linguistic identity on the politics of belonging, and considers the rich possibilities that diverse varieties of English provide for artistic expression.