Moroccan Flavored Dutch: In-group, out-group, and stereotypes in comedy

In Western Europe, migrant communities are developing new, transnational identities. Identities are reflected in – and constructed through – language practices (Bucholtz and Hall 2005). In the first part of this article, we show how Moroccan language elements play a significant role in transnational language use in the Netherlands. We discuss why especially Moroccan linguistic elements are so prominent, focus on the concept of ethnic core values as a possible explanation, and sketch some changes that have occurred over time in the use of Moroccan elements. In the second part of the article, we discuss the language usage of two Dutch comedians with a heritage background who both portray a stereotypical young, streetwise man with a Moroccan heritage background. We discuss the differences and striking similarities in the language use of both comedians (one with a Moroccan, the other with a Turkish background). We conclude by arguing that stereotypes are of interest to sociolinguists because they encapsulate characteristics that serve as a reflection of highly fluid and variable language use.