Bourdieu in 'arroz con habichuelas' : Linguistic markers of status in Puerto Rican food menus

Abstract

The existing body of research on food culture and social class suggests a strong association between the language used in gastronomic contexts and social distinctions (Bourdieu, 1984, 1986; Jurafsky et al., 2016). Scholars such as Pierre Bourdieu have emphasized taste's economic and social determinants, illustrating how cultural practices, including food choices, reflect social hierarchies and identity (Bourdieu, 1984). Similarly, Dan Jurafsky's work on the language of food descriptions has highlighted how linguistic choices can convey social meanings and distinctions (Freedman & Jurafsky, 2011; Jurafsky et al., 2016). However, there is a need for more research regarding the linguistic markers of status in different cultures. This study aimed to unveil the language-based culinary manifestations of class within the Puerto Rican context, an area that has received limited scholarly attention thus far. Aspects studied in Bourdieu and Jurafsky's work were employed to analyze the menus from two restaurants with the same price range, cuisine, and similar names, but located in contrasting areas of the island— San Juan and Caguas— to provide insights into how linguistic choices on menus reflect social distinctions within the Puerto Rican setting. Preliminary findings reveal that the restaurant in the capital city (San Juan) aligns with most of the distinctions typically associated with more expensive establishments, such as more complex language having fewer options, and using “natural” authenticity markers, as identified in previous research. On the other hand, the restaurant in Caguas emphasized “traditional” authenticity and the aspect of ‘plenty,’ factors usually linked to the working class meal. These results can be attributed to factors such as geographic location, target audience, and other contextual influences. The significance of conducting a study of this nature extends to multiple stakeholders, including the Puerto Rican community, the business sector, and the field of linguistics. It offers valuable insights into the interplay between food culture, social class, and linguistic choices within the Puerto Rican environment.