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

Abstract

Abstract In 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.