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.

Produktinformation

Utgivningsdatum2023-02-09
Mått138 x 216 x 21 mm
Vikt458 g
FormatInbunden
SpråkEngelska
Antal sidor264
Upplaga2
FörlagBloomsbury Publishing PLC
ISBN9781350195400

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Språkvetenskap och lingvistik inom Sprak och ordbocker

Prologue1. Language Origins and Language Diversity2. Interpreting Language Diversity3. The Emergence and Measurement of Multilingualism4. Dialects and Other Language Varieties5. Multilingual Abilities6. The Consequences of Babel: Lingua Francas and Translation7. Keeping Languages Pure8. Languages and Identities9. Language Decline and Revival: Basic Factors10. Language Decline and Revival: Advocacy and Activism11. Language Planning and the Ecology of Language12. Postmodern PerspectivesEpilogueBibliographyIndex

"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."