How graffiti provide evidence on the relationship between writing, orality, and identity

Abstract

International audienceIn this article, I present some considerations on the relationship between graphic realisation and orality in the specific framework of graffiti. These observations are based on a corpus of approximately 140 graffiti found in the city of Cagliari, the regional capital of Sardinia, Italy. More precisely, I focus on graphic deviations from written conventions (more or less established), in order to assert identity or to achieve a humorous effect. The sociolinguistic environment characterising the Sardinian area has an important influence on the production of these graffiti. In particular, the presence of two languages (Italian, the national language, and Sardinian, the minority language) plays an important role in the usages, underlying the linguistic phenomena observed. This regional language is the object of a valorisation policy at the regional level Regional Act 26/1997) and at the national level (National Law 482/1999). In 2006, the Regional Council of Sardinia has formalised the employment of a standard variety (together with Italian, which keeps its institutional status) for the publication of the regional administration’s official documents. Nonetheless, Italian is the most widespread language on the island and is used in both formal and informal contexts. These considerations may provide further elements to an understanding of the relationships between writing, oral practices, and social attitudes in bilingual contexts characterised by the coexistence of a highly standardised national language and a minority language without an official standard

La Rivoluzione Macchiata: The Stained Revolution

“…Sardinia is one of Italy's 20 regions and is characterized by extreme sociopolitical tension. 91 While graffiti in Italy notoriously responds to overarching national issues, Sardinia's graffiti takes a local approach to addressing issues and interests specific to the region.…”

“…Sardinia is known for its immense nationalism, which has led the region to attain a degree of autonomy. 92 The region historically sides with leftist politics and fights for further self-determination and an end to Italiannationalism and fascism. 93 One of the most recent movements that has received activism through graffiti is Sardines Contro Salvini or Sardines Against Salvini.…”

“…93 One of the most recent movements that has received activism through graffiti is Sardines Contro Salvini or Sardines Against Salvini. 94 The word "CONTRO" often represents the movement and is interestingly printed on the walls of both mainland and island cities.…”

“…96 However, Sardinian graffiti becomes distinct from other graffiti in Italy given the use of non-standard orthography. 97 In graffiti written in both Italian and Sardinian, the grapheme <k> is used to represent /k/ which substitutes <ch> and <c>. 98 The replacement of <ch> or <c> by <k> is typically employed when conveying leftist ideas.…”

Qualitative Research in Regional Geography. A Methodological Approach

“…Evidence on the Relation Writing, Orality, and Identity" (Depau, 2012) The author of this paper, Giovanni Depau, is affiliated to Gipsa-lab, Université Stendhal, Grenoble, France. The linguistic differences existent on the island of Sardinia will be exemplified in his article by presenting a series of graffiti.…”