| Sociolinguists and others studying the relationships between language and society have not yet thoroughly explored the in-group languages of religious ethnic groups. Speech accommodation theory provides a framework within which to examine the in-group language of the Mormons and its functions in creating and maintaining ethnic boundaries between the in-group and the larger society. Language divergence from the out-group, both deliberate and accidental, took place very early in the history of Mormonism for the purpose of establishing historicity and justification for the movement. At the same time, in-group accommodation helped to create group loyalty and unity, and continues to do so in the modern church. However, in-group divergence also occurs, mainly to allow the members to preserve their individuality within the group. This divergence at times becomes so extreme that members pass out of the group to one degree or another. Finally, in recent years a certain amount of accommodation has taken place between the Mormon in-group and the larger American or Christian society, particularly with regard to urgent social issues. This accommodation, however, has been minimal. The results suggest a number of areas which merit further study, both concerning the Mormon group and its language and concerning other groups. |
