Abstract

ULLOA BRENES, Gilbert. Youth languages: the dancehall, rupture or ideological strengthening?. Reflexiones [online]. 2015, vol.94, n.1, pp.65-79. ISSN 1659-2859.

This paper offers a discussion on the connection between the language and ideology of young people, and the possible relationship between these aspects and the stereotypical mentality of the Costa Rican society. Furthermore, the analysis follows a social and historical perspective about the relationship between thought and language, and applies a method of thematic analysis to interpret the lyrics and themes of a selected song form the musical genre called Dancehall. In addition, two main points are presented. In first place, this particular musical language is evidence of the encryption strategy that limits the access to this cultural group to other social groups, and generates some linguistic and cultural changes at a long term. In second place, on the thematic level, this cultural manifestation doesn't differ from other Costa Rican cultural expressions because it perpetuates certain stereotypic world visions. As a result, the study conclusions are part of a working hypothesis for further research about the relationship between language and ideology of youth groups.

Keywords : Language; ideology; youth groups; Dancehall; Costa Rican society.

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