ABSTRACT
This chapter addresses Spanish-speaking identities in Washington, DC, demonstrating the need for a “sociolinguistics of complexity” that takes a flexible, multifaceted approach to language in context. It focuses on the current state of Spanish vitality in Washington, DC in the global city environment and to demonstrate that identity negotiation and dynamic ideologies of language relate to characteristics of global cities and particularities of the DC context. The chapter provides an introduction to Washington, DC as a global metropolitan area and immigrant gateway, situating Latino history and language within the context. It presents a case-study analysis and discussion of ideological dimensions of Spanish in DC’s global city environment. The chapter concludes with a synthesis and conclusion, implications for a sociolinguistics of complexity in global cities, and indications for future research.
