LANGUAGE IDEOLOGIES IN AN IMMIGRANT LANGUAGE SETTING: THE CASE OF A EUROPEAN LANGUAGE IN MEXICO

Abstract

This paper investigates language ideologies and language use in a small Veneto-Spanish bilingual community in central Mexico, founded by immigrants from Northern Italy. In this contact situation, a European language has been in contact with Spanish, as well as other minority languages spoken in the state of Puebla. This article will draw from data collected through both sociolinguistic questionnaires and qualitative interviews to show that language maintenance and high prestige are due in part to positive attitudes and the use of Veneto as an identity marker.