sprogbruget

Sprogbruget refers to how language is used by individuals and communities. In Danish sociolinguistics, it denotes the patterned use of languages, dialects, and registers across different social situations. It encompasses decisions about which language to speak, when to switch between languages, and how formal or informal the speech is. The concept covers both spoken and written use and includes multilingual repertoire and code-switching.

In a Danish context, sprogbruget often concerns the dominant role of Danish, the integration of immigrant languages, and the use of English in professional and media settings. Researchers examine domain-specific use (home, school, work), intergenerational transmission, and attitudes that influence language choices. The term is used to describe language behavior rather than language competence alone, focusing on actual practice.

Methods used to study sprogbruget include population surveys, corpus linguistics, language diaries, interviews, and analysis of social media and broadcast text. Metrics look at language choice proportions, code-switching frequency, loanword usage, and shifts over time. Data are used to understand social stratification, identity, and integration processes.

Sprogbruget has implications for education policy, minority language maintenance, and public communication. It informs debates on language of instruction, language rights, and how language resources are mobilized in an increasingly multilingual society.