The Dyadic Relationship Between Language and Identity

The dyadic relationship between language and identity crystallises the notion that language choices reflect our identity, and our individuality influences our language. Through the incorporation of inclusive, discriminatory and "ethnocultural" (Cox) varieties, individuals are able to construct an identity that determines how they are perceived by society and how they perceive themselves. The emergence of ethnolect varieties in Australia, fuelled by the growing surge of multiculturalism catalyses the formation of numerous varieties, allowing for the expression of a multi-faceted identity that is inherently Australian as well as their ethnic background. The heterogeneous multiplicity of identity is ratified by speakers of the Australian-Indian community, through the prevalence of the expletive phrase "bloody pagal". The incorporation of the characteristically Australian intensifier "bloody" in conjunction to the Indian expletive "pagal", denoting to "crazy", solidifies that through the linguistic amalgamation of two inherently distinctive lexemes, speakers within the community are able to showcase an identity that is both Indian and Australian. The duality of identity exemplifies that identity is irrefutably a complex entity that is comprised of the multiple experiences of an individual. The prevalence of heterogeneous identities propelled by ethnolect varieties is depicted in the prevalence of the exclamative phrase "Oha mate" within the Australian Turkish community. The Turkish colloquialism "oha", denoting to "oh shit", in conjunction to the distinctively "Australian adjective" (Burridge) "mate" catalyses a blend of two rich cultures and languages into one that is unique, ratifying the unique identities of the Turkish-Australian communities. Additionally, the semantic broadening of the common nouns "aunty" and "uncle" within the Australian-Bangladeshi community so that it can be used as a term of address towards any elder, regardless of whether they are related to the speaker enunciates the values of family and respect that are deeply imbued within Bangladeshi culture. The broadening of the common nouns within the discourse of Australian Bangladeshis reinforces the notion of consanguinity that is integral within Bangladeshi culture, therefore allowing speakers to depict their dual identities as both Australian and Bangladeshi. It is irrefutable that discrimination permeates within societal discourse- it oozes from the daily lexicon of Australians. Discrimination is particularly pertinent within the discourse of politicians, as indicated through the stark contrast between the noun phrases "marriage equality" and "gay marriage", used by the Australian Labour Party and the Australian Conservatives respectively. The noun phrase "marriage equality" asserts that the ALP is inherently concerned in cementing the notion that homosexual couples should be treated with the same level of respect as heterosexual couples, imbuing the identity of the ALP as respectful and considerate with the fair treatment of all. Contrastingly, the Australian Conservatives' incorporation