Diglossia: The Hidden Psychology of How We Speak
Scientifically Reviewed · Dr. Marwa Abd-Alazim · October 4, 2026
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Diglossia is a term used to describe language situations in which two varieties of the same language, typically a high-prestige variety and a low-prestige variety, coexist in a given speech community (Gumperz & Wilson, 1971). The high-prestige variety, often referred to as the “H” variety, is typically used in formal situations, while the low-prestige variety, the “L” variety, is used in informal settings (Fishman, 1966). This concept has been studied in various language communities around the world, including those in the Middle East, Southeast Asia, Africa, and the Caribbean (Haugen, 1966; Fishman, 1966; Gumperz & Wilson, 1971).
In a diglossic situation, the two varieties of the language may be mutually intelligible, but they are often quite distinct. The H variety typically has more complex grammar and pronunciation than the L variety (Fishman, 1966). In some cases, the two varieties may even have different words for the same thing (Gumperz & Wilson, 1971). Furthermore, the two varieties are used for different purposes, with the H variety used in formal, academic, or religious contexts, and the L variety used in informal, everyday conversations (Haugen, 1966).
Diglossia has important implications in terms of language development and maintenance. In order to maintain the diglossic balance between the two varieties, speakers must be aware of the appropriate context for each variety and use the correct one when speaking (Fishman, 1966). This can be difficult for learners, as it requires them to have a deep understanding of the social aspects of language use. In some cases, diglossia can also lead to language shift, in which the L variety becomes dominant over the H variety (Haugen, 1966).
Overall, diglossia is an important concept in understanding language use in various speech communities around the world. It highlights the importance of social context in language use and reveals the complexities of language maintenance and language shift.
References
Fishman, J. A. (1966). Language maintenance and language shift as fields of inquiry. Linguistics, 5(2), 32-70.
Gumperz, J. J., & Wilson, R. A. (1971). Conversational inference and diglossia. Language in Society, 1(2), 165-179.
Haugen, E. (1966). Language conflict and language planning: The case of modern Norwegian. Harvard University Press.
