
Multilingualism
Understanding Linguistic Diversity
John Edwards(Author)
Bloomsbury Academic (Publisher)
2nd Edition
Published on 9. February 2023
Book
Hardback
264 pages
978-1-350-19540-0 (ISBN)
Description
Multilingualism is everywhere in our globalised society. Delving into the 'social life' of languages, John Edwards provides a brief yet compelling overview of multilingualism and its sociocultural implications and consequences. Covering major topics including language origins, language death, lingua francas,
pidgins, creoles and artificial languages, this book provides a complete introduction to what happens when languages meet.
A vital primer for anybody interested in multilingualism, this new edition has been refreshed and updated, expanding its coverage and adding new topics such as linguistic imperialism, minority languages, and folk linguistics. A brand new chapter on recent developments also covers the linguistic landscape, language planning, the 'new speaker' phenomenon and digital multilingualisms.
Accessibly written in an engaging style which assumes no prior knowledge, this book is an essential introduction for anybody interested in multilingualism and language.
pidgins, creoles and artificial languages, this book provides a complete introduction to what happens when languages meet.
A vital primer for anybody interested in multilingualism, this new edition has been refreshed and updated, expanding its coverage and adding new topics such as linguistic imperialism, minority languages, and folk linguistics. A brand new chapter on recent developments also covers the linguistic landscape, language planning, the 'new speaker' phenomenon and digital multilingualisms.
Accessibly written in an engaging style which assumes no prior knowledge, this book is an essential introduction for anybody interested in multilingualism and language.
Reviews / Votes
"Divided into 10 chapters on themes such as language diversity, multilingualism, bridging means across languages, language survival and intervention, this is the most readable textbook I have ever come across... This seemingly light yet profoundly rich book, with its span across the entire language diversity scene, cannot fail to spark enthusiasm... Its apparent simplicity, clarity and colourful asides make it an unforgettable reading experience." -- Times Higher Education Supplement (of the first edition) This book is a timely, comprehensive, thought-provoking, and compelling critique of the scholarship on various aspects of multilingualism; well grounded in society and social interactions. It is made captivating by the witty and detached style of the author, who not only covers a wide body of interdisciplinary literature but also reports several empirical anecdotes from around the world to prove his points. -- Salikoko S. Mufwene, University of Chicago, USA In this revised edition of a much-loved book, John Edwards presents the history and the latest developments in multilingualism research in a clear and accessible manner. By pointing out that "languages are totems as well as tools", he demonstrates this unique ability to be powerfully succinct and memorable. -- Jean-Marc Dewaele, Birkbeck University of London, UKMore details
Edition
2nd edition
Language
English
Place of publication
London
United Kingdom
Publishing group
Bloomsbury Publishing PLC
Target group
College/higher education
Dimensions
Height: 145 mm
Width: 224 mm
Thickness: 21 mm
Weight
458 gr
ISBN-13
978-1-350-19540-0 (9781350195400)
Copyright in bibliographic data and cover images is held by Nielsen Book Services Limited or by the publishers or by their respective licensors: all rights reserved.
Schweitzer Classification
Other editions
Additional editions

E-Book
01/2023
2nd Edition
Bloomsbury Academic
€20.99
Available for download
Person
John Edwards is Senior Professor of Psychology at St Francis Xavier University, Canada.
Content
Prologue
1. Language Origins and Language Diversity
2. Interpreting Language Diversity
3. The Emergence and Measurement of Multilingualism
4. Dialects and Other Language Varieties
5. Multilingual Abilities
6. The Consequences of Babel: Lingua Francas and Translation
7. Keeping Languages Pure
8. Languages and Identities
9. Language Decline and Revival: Basic Factors
10. Language Decline and Revival: Advocacy and Activism
11. Language Planning and the Ecology of Language
12. Postmodern Perspectives
Epilogue
Bibliography
Index
1. Language Origins and Language Diversity
2. Interpreting Language Diversity
3. The Emergence and Measurement of Multilingualism
4. Dialects and Other Language Varieties
5. Multilingual Abilities
6. The Consequences of Babel: Lingua Francas and Translation
7. Keeping Languages Pure
8. Languages and Identities
9. Language Decline and Revival: Basic Factors
10. Language Decline and Revival: Advocacy and Activism
11. Language Planning and the Ecology of Language
12. Postmodern Perspectives
Epilogue
Bibliography
Index