Synopses & Reviews
Synopsis
In this broad-ranging book John Edwards looks at the issues raised by language difference, and considers the effects of multilingualism on the individual speaker as well as on society. By examining the social life of language rather than theories of language, John Edwards studies the interaction of language with nationalism, identity, history, politics and education. He illustrates his arguments with a range of examples, from recent attempts to revive and preserve languages such as Irish and Basque to the argument over French and English in Canada and the 'US English' campaign. He also scrutinizes the linguistic myopia of those who would seek to elevate one language over another and surveys the role that schools play in the formation of cultural and linguistic identity.
Synopsis
By looking at the effect of language difference, Edwards examines the interaction of language with nationalism, politics, history, identity and education. This book unpicks this complexity and creates a multidisciplinary overview.
Synopsis
By looking at the effect of language difference, rather than at theories of language, John Edwards examines the interaction of language with nationalism, politics, history, identity and education.
He illustrates his arguments with a rangew of examples, from recent attempts to revive and preserve languages such as Irish and Basque, to the argument over French and English in Canada and the US English' campaign. He also examines the linguistic myopia of those who would seek to elevate one language over another.
Multilingualism unpicks the complexity associated with a world of so many languages, and creates an overview which is multidisciplinary in focus. Its mixture of curious facts, wit and eloquence, will appeal to anyone who cares about the role of language in society.
Description
Includes bibliographical references (p. 211-242) and indexes.