The Role of Religion and Language in the Construction of Religious and Linguistic Identity.

Language and religion share a long history and their interaction and connection are observable nowadays in different fields such as bilingualism and multilingualism, language planning, language policy, language contact, and identity construction. However, the interaction between religion and language and their role in the construction of identity have been little explored, and the studies of identity construction are more language-centered. Much more emphasis is put on language than religion, and identity-related investigations consider only language to be important. Though there are studies about religious languages and the history of religion that describe the linguistic effects of religion historically, the reciprocality of language and religion and their role in the construction of both linguistic and religious identity have been often neglected. I argue that religion is mutually related to language as they affect each other, that religion can motivate and enhance language learning (language for religious purposes), and that religion can also play an effective role in constructing linguistic and religious identity.