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Identity styling through code-mixing in journalistic discourse 187
readers when translated verbatim and without annotation (cf. Ostrowski 2006:
108, 165, 191, 207, 208, 219).
5. Implied identities and projected stylistic effects
It has been noted that styles can be not only expressive of identities but also
impressive, that is effecting particular reactions and interpretations in targeted
recipients. This study aims to illustrate how the variety and extent of English
loans in Marek Ostrowski’s book work towards projecting “model” identities of
discourse participants – the “author’s persona” and the “implied reader”.
When taken cumulatively, and in accordance with the subtitle of the book
(The scrib for the times of chaos), one of the key identities constructed within
the text is that of the author being an “instructor”. The word “scrib” means a
kind of selective, simplified and digested compilation of information needed to
become acquainted with the basics of a given subject. It is also implied that the
contemporary world is so “chaotic” that it is incomprehensible to most of us
without expert assistance. Ostrowski seems to be styling himself as such an
“expert”. By using various devices, particularly journalistic jargon and English
borrowings, Ostrowski acts as an “insider” sharing his first-hand knowledge and
insights with us. In turn, we are expected to accept his observations, to agree
with his conclusions and to learn from his worldly experience.
However, to do this we have to be conversant with English, with which the
author “enriches” his discourse. But as shown above, many examples of codemixing
actually impede textual progression or appear to be superfluous. Such
cases are “loaded” with identity effects: displays of intelligence and wit resulting
from playful arrangements of connotations. Sadly, sometimes the author
does not seem to care if his points are actually understood, since some English
inserts are never translated. To a non-English speaking reader, this may appear
as elitist and condescending. At other occasions, the author’s use of English
intensifies the projection of a person who is resigned to and disillusioned with
some political abuses inherent in capitalist democracies. His “keying” of apparent
cynicism may well be contrived in order to preclude any intimation of naivety.
It can be noted that the author often legitimizes his conclusions through the
appeal to his experience as an international journalist and through his personal,
first-hand reporting style. That is why he is likely to use the original labels and
concepts that have more resonance in English than Polish. For one, he takes
advantage of the prestige English enjoys in political journalism, for another, he
insinuates that many concepts are not renderable into Polish without some loss
in meaning. At the same time, however, he indulges in the “easy journalism” of
personal stylization without considering the actual needs of the audience. Here,