Language Use between Absolute Space and Relational Space

Keywords: mobility, language use, networks, space
Abstract Type: Paper Abstract

Abstract

Space has been perceived in multiple aspects, such as absolute space and relational space. Existing research in linguistic geography primarily focuses on absolute space (or physical space in some literature). There is a lack of exploration of linguistic phenomena in other aspects and, more importantly, across different aspects of space.

This study assesses whether mobility affects language use in a multilingual rural region in Cameroon. Mobility is represented as a spatial network in absolute space, while language use is represented as a social network in a relational space. The relationship between the two networks is evaluated based on the similarity in their structures.

Results show that the two networks are related, and mobility is found to affect language use. The findings contribute to baseline knowledge of the connection between language and multiple perspectives of space.