Linguistic whateverism – a study on an (in)consistency in linguistic behavior based on the usage of Anglicisms

by Haris Delić ¹ Asmir Džanković ² Mihrimah Burcu Kapukaya ³ Elnur Alakbarov ⁴

¹ International Burch University, Sarajevo, Bosnia and Herzegovina
² International Burch University, Sarajevo, Bosnia and Herzegovina
³ International Burch University, Sarajevo, Bosnia and Herzegovina
⁴ International Burch University, Sarajevo, Bosnia and Herzegovina

ABSTRACT

This study investigates the phenomenon of linguistic whateverism among Bosnian high school students, focusing on the usage of English loanwords in everyday speech. A survey was conducted to assess the prevalence, frequency, and contextual factors influencing the integration of Anglicisms into Bosnian language use. The findings reveal that 71.5% of participants incorporate English words into their conversations, primarily in informal settings and often when communicating with peers who possess similar English proficiency. While many students display a relaxed attitude toward language mixing, with 72.6% expressing indifference towards the use of English in Bosnian, a significant portion (67.0%) expresses concern over the potential erosion of the Bosnian language. The analysis indicates that the influence of English is particularly strong in contexts related to technology and social media, suggesting a shift towards linguistic pragmatism among youth. Despite the high acceptance of Anglicisms, there remains a notable desire to preserve the integrity of the Bosnian language. These findings underscore the complexity of language evolution in a globalized context and highlight the need for ongoing dialogue about linguistic identity and cultural preservation among young speakers.

Keywords: linguistic whateverism, English loanwords, Bosnian language, language mixing, cultural preservation

HOW TO CITE THIS ARTICLE
Delić H., Džanković A., Kapukaya M., Alakbarov E. (2025). Linguistic whateverism – a study on an (in)consistency in linguistic behavior based on the usage of Anglicisms, MAP Education and Humanities, 5, 110-122. doi: https://doi.org/10.53880/2744-2373.2025.5.110

MAP Education and Humanities

Volume 5

ISSN: 2744-2373/ © The Authors.
Published by MAP - Multidisciplinary Academic Publishing.

Article Submitted: 02 October 2024
Article Accepted: 04 January 2025
Article Published: 05 January 2025

Correspondence concerning this article should be addressed to the author(s).

DOI: https://doi.org/10.53880/2744-2373.2025.5.110

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ORIGINAL RESEARCH PAPER

Linguistic whateverism – a study on an (in)consistency in linguistic behavior based on the usage of Anglicisms

Haris Delić ¹ Asmir Džanković ² Mihrimah Burcu Kapukaya ³ Elnur Alakbarov ⁴

Published on 05 January 2025
in MAP Education and Humanities: Volume 5

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¹ International Burch University, Sarajevo, Bosnia and Herzegovina
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Published on 01 November 2024
in MAP Education and Humanities: Volume 5

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