Tubens Pérez, Ana Maria

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Languagelessness & bicultural ambivalence in Puerto Rico
(2020-05-19) Tubens Pérez, Ana Maria; Soto Santiago, Sandra L.; College of Arts and Sciences - Art; Rivera, Rosita L.; Contreras Santiago, Edward G.; Department of English; Hernández Hernández, Carlos I.
This investigation used two focus group interviews and discourse analysis to determine if Puerto Ricans are perceived as languageless and biculturally ambivalent. It aimed to identify how these ideologies are demonstrated and perpetuated. Twelve students from the University of Puerto Rico, Mayagüez campus (UPRM) were purposely selected to include Puerto Rican and non-Puerto Rican individuals. Published discourse was selected to capture the perception of the diaspora and other non-island-based individuals. The data was analyzed using a building tasks of language model. The participants demonstrated linguistic insecurity, concern over belonging and being enough, and needing affirmation of their own identities. However, it also became evident that the current generation appears more accepting towards variations in Puerto Rican language use and culture. The participants perpetuated these ideologies mostly through cultural gatekeeping, and through expressing the beliefs that some languages are better than others and that Puerto Rican-ness can be measured.