Is Dutch Straattaal a mixed multiethnolect? A Moroccan perspective

Maarten Kossmann

doi:10.1515/applirev-2017-0050

Article

Is Dutch Straattaal a mixed multiethnolect? A Moroccan perspective

Maarten Kossmann

Published/Copyright: October 25, 2017

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From the journal Applied Linguistics Review Volume 10 Issue 3

Abstract

Dutch Straattaal is often described as a multiethnolect that is not only used among members of several different heritage groups, but also marks new identities. In this article, the focus is on the position of Straattaal among Moroccan youth, based on data from internet exchanges. The general observation is confirmed that Surinamese elements in Straattaal are used by Moroccan youth, and mixed with etymologically Moroccan elements. However, a different picture arises when studying meta-commentary by Moroccans about Straattaal. It appears that young Moroccans construct the use of lexical items from Sranan – the most salient feature of Straattaal – as something belonging to the Black community, and not as something they identify with. Thus, while Straattaal could be considered a multiethnolect on the level of actual speech, it is ideologically kept apart, and at that level much less multiethnic than is sometimes suggested.

Keywords: Moroccan Dutch; crossing; multiethnolects; metalinguistic commentary; Straattaal

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Published Online: 2017-10-25

Published in Print: 2019-09-25

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Articles in the same Issue

https://doi.org/10.1515/applirev-2017-0050

Keywords for this article

Moroccan Dutch; crossing; multiethnolects; metalinguistic commentary; Straattaal