Search

This article engages with contemporary meaning and meaning changes within the porcine semantic field in Denmark. More specifically, I argue that pork is acquiring the meaning of Danishness. Analytically, I focus on the relation between language usage in different settings and on how situational usage relates to nationwide, mediatized discourses. The porcine field lends itself readily to such analyses, as pork has been the center of much political and politicized attention over the past decade, and much of the discursive engagement with pork implies or expresses an ideological and moral stance. Interactional data come from field studies in a school, a fine-dining restaurant, and a fast-food restaurant. Media data are sampled from three relatively recent debates on Danish values.

In this paper we contribute to discussions on the relation between language, place and legitimacy in contemporary globalization, including considerations of mobility, social media, and authenticity. Our empirical case is the Danish born performing artist Anita Lerche. Lerche sings in Punjabi, and in addition to language she deploys other semiotic elements which index India and Punjab. This triggers both negative and positive evaluations from her audience. In some cases, it even triggers (self) criticism of the deficient Punjabiness of Diaspora Punjabis. The overwhelming majority of the responses are based on an ideology of an inherent and natural relation between language and ethnic or geographical belonging. Lerche clearly does not conform to that as she explores her possibilities of identification and professional success beyond traditional borders and territories. The data analyzed consist of discussions on social media, and mainly responses to one of Lerche׳s Facebook posts. Despite the non-local character of the medium, and the different places of residence of the audience, a particular geographical location (Punjab) remains central in the construction of belonging, legitimacy, obligation and authenticity. In addition to data on Lerche׳s Facebook profile, we also draw on interviews with Lerche and some fieldwork.