A phenomenon still perceived as recent for Italy, and therefore only recently analyzed and studied by Italian linguists, sociologists, urban planners, architects, is the phenomenon of "gentrification" (Zukin 2010, Semi 2015). ... [ view full abstract ]
A phenomenon still perceived as recent for Italy, and therefore only recently analyzed and studied by Italian linguists, sociologists, urban planners, architects, is the phenomenon of "gentrification" (Zukin 2010, Semi 2015).
In many cities you can find a poor neighbourhood, inconspicuous, an area described as ugly, sleazy, dirty and without any appeal that, in a few years, is transformed into an elegant neighbourhood: here is the process of gentrification of districts. An area becomes incredibly attractive to the middle class, that subsequently transforms the identity of the streets, squares etc.
Taking into consideration how the process of gentrification has affected language in some neighbourhoods in Italy, what can be the consequences for the LL?
Our research question is how LL is used in order to change the neighbourhoods in Italy during the last 15 years.
We analyze some neighborhoods from the LL point of view and through reterritorialization indicators, as a process of slow gentrification. The data collected in the period 2004-2016 are therefore not read only as separate "shots" of the "linguistic" state of the neighborhood, but as a result of a slow build of new linguistic and social dynamics that adapt to external pressures, urban choices, etc.
The hypothesis is that the analysis of the territory through the LL is useful to understand the dynamics in place in different urban contexts. LL is used both as an element capable of defining the "state of the art" of a district, but also as a "tool" adopted by various subjects (citizens, bloggers, experts) to change attitudes, perceptions, expectations towards the neighborhood, in a kind of continuous narrative.
